

Book 


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H. O. No. 133 


BAY OF BISCAY PILOT 


WEST COAST OF FRANCE AND THE 
0 £ NORTH COAST OF SPAIN 0 0 
FROM USHANT TO CAPE TORINANA 


SECOND EDITION 


H.S. 

PUBLISHED BY THE HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE 
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 



> 3 
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WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
1917 













D. 

of D. 

MAR 

16 1918 







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H. 0. 133. 


A summary of the Notices to Marines affecting this publication, pub¬ 
lished during the year 1918, will be sent free of expense upon the receipt 
of this coupon at the United States Hydrographic Office, Washington, 
D. C. 

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Address 


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A summary of the Notices to Marines affecting this publication, pub¬ 
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A summary of the Notices to Marines affecting this publication, pub¬ 
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of this coupon at the United States Hydrographic Office, Washington, 
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lished during the year 1923, will be sent free of expense upon the receipt 
of this coupon at the United States Hydrographic Office, Washington, 
D. C. 

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PREFACE. 







This publication comprises the sailing directions for the west coast 
of France and the north coast of Spain from Ushant to Cape Tori- 
hana. It cancels all Notices to Mariners up to and including No. 45 
of 1917. 

The information contained in this publication is taken from all 
available sources and principally from the first edition (1915) and 
from British Admiralty West Coast of France, Spain, and Portugal 
Pilot, 1910, with supplement to 1916. 

The bearings and courses are true and given in degrees, from 0 : 
to 360°, commencing at north and increasing to the right. 

The directions of the winds refer to the points from which they 
blow; of currents, the points toward which they set. These direc¬ 
tions are true. 

Bearings limiting sectors of lights are toward the light. 

Variations for the year, with the annual rate of change, may be 
obtained from H. O. Chart No. 2406, Variation of the Compass. 

Distances are expressed in nautical miles, the mile being approxi¬ 
mately 2,000 yards. 

Soundings are referred to low-water ordinary springs, excepting 
those referring to Franee, which are reduced to the lowest tide ob¬ 
served ; that is, lower even than mean equinoctial springs. 

Heights are referred to mean high water. 

The latest information concerning lights, characteristics, sectors, 
and fog signals should always be sought in H. O. Publication No. 32, 
List of Lights, Volume III. 

Attention is invited to the coupons on the first pages of this book, 
which entitle the purchaser to a summary of the Notices to Mariners 
affecting this publication. They will be ready for distribution as 
soon as practicable after the first of each year, beginning January, 
1919. 

Mariners are requested to notify the United States Hydrographic 
Office, directly or through one of its branch offices, of any new infor¬ 
mation obtained or of any errors or omissions discovered in this 

publication. • 

No attempt has been made to include changes due to the war in 
this book. Local authorities should be consulted. 


in 




CONTENTS. 


Page. 

Preface. m 

Glossary. vii 

Information relating to navigational aids and general navigation. i 

Index. 565 

Index chart.faces in 

Chapter I. 

General remarks. 21 

* 

Chapter II. 

Ushant, with the off-lying islands, and St. Laurent Peninsula, the northwestern 
extreme of France, to Pointe de Penmarc’h, including the approaches to 
Brest. 53 

j 

Chapter III. 

Pointe de Penmarc’h to Pointe du Croisic, including the Glenan Isles, lie de 
Groix, and Belle lie. 133 

Chapter IV. 

Pointe du Croisic to Pointe du Grouin du Cou, including the Loire River and 
the lied’Yeu.:.-. 235 

Chapter V. 

Pointe du Grouin du Cou to Pointe d’Arvert, including Pertuis Breton and , 
Pertuis d’Antioche... 289 

Chapter VI. 

Pointe d’Arvert to Pointe de la Negade; the Gironde and Garonne Rivers- 337 

$ 

Chapter VII. 

From the Gironde to the Bidassoa River. 365 

Chapter VIII. 

Coast of Spain—Bidassoa River to Cape Penas. 393 

Chapter IX. 

Coast of Spain—Cape Penas to Cape Torinana. 489 


v 

















GLOSSARIES OF WORDS OCCASIONALLY FOUND ON THE 
CHARTS AND IN THE SAILING DIRECTIONS. 


FRENCH. 


French. 

English. 

Aiguille. 

.Needle. 

Aimante(e). 

.Magnetic. 

Anse.. 

.Bay, creek. 

Atterrissage.. 

.Making the land. 

Avant port.. 

. Outer port. 

Azur. 

.Blue. 

Babord. 

.Port. 

Baie. 

.Bay, gulf. 

Balisage. 

.Beaconage. 

Balise. 

.Beacon. 

Banc. 

.Bank, sandbank. 

Barre. 

.Bar. 

Basse. 

.Shoal. 

Basse mer. 

.Low water. 

Bassin. 

.Basin, dock. 

Bassin a flot. 

.Wet basin or dock. 

Bassin d’echouage 

. Tidal basin where ves¬ 
sels ground. 

Bateau de sauvc 

- 

tage. 

.Lifeboat. 

Blane(he). 

.White. 

Bleu(e). 

. Blue. 

Bouehe. 

.Mouth of a river. 

Bouee. 

.Buoy. 

Bouee a cloche... 

.Bell buoy. 

Bou£e a sifflet. 

.Whistle buoy. 

Bouee lumineuse. Light buoy. 

Boussole. 

.Compass. 

Brouillard. 

.Fog, mist. 

Brume. 

• Fog. 

Caboteur. 

.Coaster. 

Cale de radoub... 

.Patent slip. 

Cap. 

.Cape, headline. 

Chapel le. 

.Chapel. 

Charbon. 

.Coal. 

Chasse.— 

.A rapid discharge of 
water from a reser¬ 
voir in order to clear 
out a channel. 


French. English. 

Chateau.Castle. 

Chaussee.Bank, causeway. 

Chemin de fer.Railway. 

Cheminee.Chimney. 

Chenal.Channel. 

Clocher.Steeple. 

Colline.Hill. 

Compas.Compass. 

Coquilles.Shells. 

Cote.Coast. 

Courant.Current, stream; a 


name given to 
streams flowing into 
the sea between 
Arcachon and Cape 
Breton. 

Courant de flot.Flood tidal stream. 

Courant de jusant..Ebb tidal stream. 

Crue.Freshet or flood. 

Declinaison mag- Magnetic declination 


netique. or variation. 

Douane.Customhouse. . 

Echelle.Scale. 

Echelle de mar^e. .Tide gauge. 

Ecluse.Lock of a canal or 

basin. 

Eglise.Church. 

Encablure.Cable’s length. 

Entree.Entrance, mouth of a 

river. 

Escarpe(e).Bluff. 

Etale.(Of tide) slack; (of 

wind) settled. 

Etang.Lake. 

Etarqu6.Hoisted (as a sail, flag, 

or time ball). 

Etiage.Low-water mark of a 

river. 


VII 




























































VIII 


GLOSSARY. 


French. English. 

Etier.A creek which can re¬ 

ceive small vessels; 
a conduit by which 
salt water enters a 
lake to be trans¬ 
formed into salt. 


Falaise.Cliff. 

Fanal.Harbor lighthouse* 

Feu.Light. 

Feu permanent.A light constantly 

burning and un¬ 
watched . 

Fin (e).Fine. 

Fleche.Spire. 

Fleuve.River, stream. 

Flot.Flood. 

Foe.Jib (sail). 

Fond.Bottom. 

Forme de radoub... Dry dock. 

Fosse.Ditch, a deep. 

Gare.Station. 

Golfe.Gulf. 

Goulet.Narrow entrance. 

Grand (e).Great. 

Gravier.Gravel. 

Gril de carenage_Gridiron. 

Gros.Coarse. 

Haut-fond.A shoal. 

Haute mer.High water. 

Houle.Swell. 

He.Island, isle. 

Hot.Islet. 

Jaune.Yellow. 

Jusant.Ebb. 

Lac.Lake. 

Madrague.Tunny net. 

Marias.Swamp, marsh. 

Maree.Tide. 

M aree descen- Falling tide, 
dante. 

Maree montante_Rising tide. 

Mat.Mast. 

Menhir.A large raised stone, 


the erection of 
which may be 
traced to antiquity. 
(From the Celtic, 
maen, stone; hir, 
high.) 


French. English. 

Mole.Mole, pier. 

Molle.Soft. 

Mortes eaux.Neap tides. 

Mouillage.Anchorage. 

Moulin.Mill. 

Mur.Wall. 

Musoir.Mole or pierhead. 

Niveau.Level. 

Noeud.Knot. 

Noil* (e).Black. 


Occidental (e).Western. 

Onde.Wave. 

Oriental (e).Eastern. 


Passe.Channel. 

Patente desante_Bill of health. 

Pertuis.Opening or strait. 

Petite (e).Small. 

Phare.Lighthouse. 

Pic... .Peak. 

Pierre.Stone. 

Pignon.Gable. 

Pilote.Pilot. 

Pin.Pine or fir tree. 

Plage...Shore, beach. 

Plateau.Table- land, or flat be^ 

low water. 

Pleine mer.High water. 

Pointe.Point. 

Pont.Bridge, deck. 

Port.Port, harbor. 

Presqu’ile.Peninsula. 

Quai.Quay, wharf. 

Rade.Road, roadstead 

Rafale.Squall. 


Raz (Bas Breton). .A name given to a vio- 


- lent tidal stream in 

a narrow passage. 

Riviere.River. 

Roche.Rock. 

Rocher.Rock. 

Rouge.Red. 

Sable.Sand. 

Salines.Salt water lagoon, salt 

works. 

Seuil.Sill (as of a dock). 

Temps..Time, weather. 

Tour.Tower. 

1 












































































GLOSSARY. 


IX 


French. 

English. 

Tourelle. 

. .. Small tower, turret 

Tribord. 

... Starboard. 

Usine. 

.. Factory. 

Vase. 

..Mud. 

Vent. 

.. .Wind. 


French. English. 

Vergue.Yard. 

Vert....Green. 

Vieux, vieil, veille.Old, ancient. 

Village. .Village. 

Vi lie.Town. 

Vives eaux.Spring tides. 


SPANISH. 


Spanish. 

English. 

Aduana. 

. . A customhouse. 

Aguas muertas... 

.. Neap tides. 

Aguas vivas. 

.. Spring tide.:. 

Aguja. 

.. A needle. 

A Idea. 

. . A small village; a 
hamlet. 

Almadraba. 

. .A tunny fishery. 

Alto. 

... A height. 

Amarillo. 

. . Wellow. 

Arena. 

..Sand. 

Arrecife. 

... A reef. 

Arroyo. 

... A rivulet. 

Astillero. 

... A dockyard. 

Atalaya. 

... An elevated place 


from which a con¬ 
siderable view may 
be obtained. 


Babor.Port. 

Bahia.A bay. 

Bajamar.Low water. 

Bajo.A shoal. 

Banco. ..A bank. 

Barra.A bar at the mouth 

of a river or harbor. 

Barrio.A suburb; a district 

of a town. 

Blanco.White. 

Bote salvavidas_A lifeboat. 

Boya.A buoy. 

Brujula.A compass. 

Bruma.Fog; haze. 

Cabo.A cape or headland. . 

Cala.A creek or small bay. 

Caleta.A cove. 

Camino de hierro.. .A railway. 

Campanario.A steeple; a belfry. 

Canal.A channel or strait. 

Capilla.A chapel. 

C'arabineros.A post of military 

coast guards. 


Spanish. English. 

Carbon de piedra... Coal. 

Carta de sanidad...Bill of health. 

Casa.A house. 

Cascajo.Gravel. 

Caseta.A small house. 

Castillo.A castle. 

Cerrazon.Dark, cloudy weather 

Cerro..'.A hill. 

Chica.Small. 

Concha.A shell. 

Contrastes.Winds blowing from 

opposite directions. 

Cubierta.A deck. 

Cueva.A cave. 

Darsena.A dock or basin. 

Dique...A dock. 

Dique seco.A dry dock. 

Ensenada.A bay or creek. 

Ermita.A hermitage. 

Escollo...A rock. 

Espigon.A kind of wharf or 

pier. 

Estero.A small creek. 

Estrecho.A strait. 

Estribor.Starboard. 

Fanal.A lighthouse. 

Fango.Mud. 

Faro.A lighthouse. 

Ferrocarril..A railway. 

Fondeadero.Anchorage. 

Fraile..A friar. 

Freo or freu.A strait. 

Fuente.A fountain; a spring 

(of water). 

Garita.-.A lookout house. 

Golfo.A gulf or bay. 

Grande.Great, large. 

Gris.Gray. 
















































































I 


X 


glossary. 


Spanish. English. 

Iglesia.A churcli. 

lsla.An island. 

Isleta.An islet. 

Lago.A lake. 

Laja.A flat rock. 

Limo.Mud. 

Lugar.A village or small 

town. 

Luz..A light. 

Marea.Tide. 

Marea creciente_Flood tide. 

Marea menguante..Ebb tide. 

Meridional.Southern. 

Mesa.A table-land. 

Molino...A mill. 

Monte.A mountain. 

Muelle.A mole or jetty. 

Negro.Black. 

Niebla.Fog. 

Ola.A wave. 

Onda.A wave. 

Pardo.Gray. 

Pena.A rock or large stone. 

Penon.A rock or rocky moun¬ 

tain. 

Pico.A peak. 

Piedra.A rock. 

Piloto.A pilot. 

Piloto practico.A harbor pilot (prac- 

tico is often used 
alone). 

Playa.A beach. 

Pleamar.High water. 


Spanish. English. 

Pueblo.A town; a village. 

Puente.A bridge. 

Puerto.A port. 

Punta.A point. 

Quinta.A country house. 

Recalada.Making the land. 

Restinga.A reef. 

Rla.The mouth of a river. 

Ribera.The shore; the bank 

of a river. 

Rio.A river. 

Roca.A rock. 

Rojo.Red. 

Saco.A bay. 

Salina.A salt pan. 

Sanidad.Health. 

Seno.A gulf or bay. 

Septentrional.Northern. 

Sierra.A mountain ridge. 

Temporal.A storm. 

Terral.A land wind. 

Tiempo.Weather. 

Torre.A tower. 

Variacion.-\'Variation. 

Vela.A sail. 

Vendaval.A southwesterly wind. 

Venta.A poor inn 

Verde.Green. 

Viejo.Old. 

Viento.Wind. 

Vigla.A lookout; doubtful 

shoals. 

Villa.A town. 

Virazon.A sea breeze. 


i 
































































INFORMATION RELATING TO NAVIGATIONAL AIDS 
AND GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


THE CORRECTION OF CHARTS, LIGHT LISTS, AND 

SAILING DIRECTIONS. 

The following publications are issued by the United States Hydro¬ 
graphic Office as guides to navigation: Charts, Chart Catalogues, 
Sailing Directions, Light Lists, Tide Tables, Notices to Mariners, 
Pilot Charts, and Hydrographic Bulletins. Of these, the Notices to 
Mariners and the Hydrographic Bulletins are free to mariners and 
others interested in shipping. The Pilot Charts are free to con¬ 
tributors of professional information, but are sold to the general 
public at 10 cents a copy. The other publications of the office are 
sold under the law at cost price. 

The Charts, the Sailing Directions, and the Light Lists are all 
affected by continual changes and alterations, concerning which 
information from all parts of the world is published weekly in the 
Notices to Mariners. 

The charts are always corrected for all available information up to 
the date of issue stamped upon them; and the Light Lists should be 
noted for the recent alterations and additions. The Sailing Direc¬ 
tions, however, can not, from their nature, be so fully corrected, and 
in all cases where they differ from the charts, the charts must be 
taken as the guide. 

Charts.—When issued from the Hydrographic Office, the charts 
have received all necessary corrections to date. 

All small but important corrections that can be made by hand are 
given in the Notices to Mariners, and should at once be placed on 
the charts to which they refer. 

Extensive corrections that can not be conveniently thus made are 
put upon the plates, and new copies are put on sale. Masters of vessels 
are urged to replace the old charts, which should be destroyed to pre¬ 
vent the possibility of their being used in the navigation of the ship. 

The dates on which extensive corrections are made are noted on 
the chart on the right of the middle of the lower edge; those of the 
smaller corrections at the left lower corners. 

The edition, and corresponding date, of the chart will be found in 
the right lower corner, outside the outer neat line. 


l 



2 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


In all cases of quotations of charts, these dates of corrections 
should be given, as well as the number of the chart (found in the 
lower right and upper left corners), in order that the edition of the 
chart referred to may be known. 

The Light Lists are corrected before issue, and all changes are 
published in the weekly Notices to Mariners. 

The navigating officer should make notations in the tabular form 
in the Light Lists and paste in at the appropriate places slips from 
the Notices to Mariners. 

The Light Lists should always be consulted as to the details of 
a light, as the description in the sailing directions is not complete, 
and may be obsolete, in consequence of changes since publication. 

The Sailing Directions or Pilots are kept corrected by addenda; 
and subsequent to date of last addenda, they should be kept corrected 
by means of the Notices to Mariners. Sailing Directions issued to 
naval vessels carry with them an envelope containing slips of correc¬ 
tions up to date of issue. 

Addenda are published from time to time, and contain a summary 
of all the information received up to date since the publication of 
the volume to which they refer, canceling all previous Notices to 
Mariners. 

To enable the books to be more convenientlv corrected, addenda 
and Notices to Mariners are printed on one side only, and two copies 
of the latter are issued to each naval vessel, one to be cut and the 
slips pasted in at the appropriate places, the other to be retained 
intact for reference. 

To paste in the slips, as the Notices to Mariners are received, is one 
of the duties of the navigating officer, demanding faithful attention. 

It must, however, be understood that Sailing Directions will 
rarely be correct in all details, and that, as already stated, when 
differences exist, the chart, which should be corrected from the 
most recent information, should be taken as the guide, for which 
purpose, for ordinary navigation, it is sufficient. 

The Tide Tables, which are published annually by the United 
States Coast and Geodetic Survey, give the predicted times and 
heights of the high and the low waters for every day in the year 
at 70 of the principal ports of the world, and, through the medium 
of these by means of tidal differences and ratios, at a very large 
number of subordinate ports. The tables for the Atlantic and the 
Pacific coast ports of the United States are also published separately. 

It should be remembered that these tables aim to give the times 
of high and low water, and not the times of turning of the current 
or of slack water, which may be quite different. 

Notices to Mariners, containing newly acquired information 
pertaining to various parts of the world, are published weekly and 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


3 


mailed to all United States ships in commission, Branch Hydro- 
graphic offices and agencies, and United States consulates. Copies 
are furnished free by the main office or by any of the branch offices 
on application. 

With each Notice to naval vessels is sent also a separate sheet, 
giving the items relating to lights contained in the latest Notice, 
intended especially for use in correcting the Light Lists. 

Pilot Charts of the North Atlantic, Central American Waters, 
and North Pacific and Indian Oceans are published each month, 
and of the South Atlantic and South Pacific Oceans each quarter. 
These charts give the average conditions of wind and weather, 
barometer, percentage of fog and gales, routes for steam and sailing 
vessels for the period of issue, ice, and derelicts for the preceding 
period, ocean currents and magnetic variation for the current year, 
storm tracks for preceding years, and much other useful informa¬ 
tion. They are furnished free only in exchange for marine data or 
observations. 

Hydrographic Bulletins, published weekly, are supplemental 
to the Pilot Charts, and contain the latest reports of obstructions 
and dangers along the coast and principal ocean routes, ice, derelicts, 
and wreckage, reports of the use of oil to calm the sea, and other 
information for mariners. They are to be had free upon application. 

THE USE OF CHARTS. 

Accuracy of chart.—The value of a chart must manifestly 
depend upon the character and accuracy of the survey on which it 
is based, and the larger the scale of the chart the more important 
do these become. 

To judge of a survey, its source and date, which are generally 
given in the title, are a good guide. Besides the changes that may 
have taken place since the date of the survey, in waters where 
sand or mud prevails, the earlier surveys were mostly made under 
circumstances that precluded great accuracy of detail; until a chart 
founded on such a survey is tested, it should be regarded with cau¬ 
tion. It may, indeed, be said that, except in well-frequented 
harbors and their approaches, no surveys yet made have been so 
thorough as to make it certain that all dangers have been found. 
The number of the soundings is ‘another method of estimating the 
completeness of the survey, remembering, however, that the chart 
is not expected to show all the soundings that were obtained. When 
the soundings are sparse or unevenly distributed, it may be taken 
for granted that the survey was not in great detail. 

Large or irregular blank spaces among soundings mean that no 
soundings were obtained in these spots. When the surrounding 
soundings are deep it may fairly be assumed that in the blanks 
the water is also deep; but when they are shallow, or it can be 


4 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


seen from the rest of the chart that reefs or banks are present, 
such blanks should be regarded with suspicion. This is especially 
the case in coral regions and off rocky coasts, and it should be 
remembered that in waters where rocks abound it is always possi¬ 
ble that a survey, however complete and detailed, may have 
failed to find every small patch or pinnacle rock. 

A wide berth should therefore be given to every rocky shore or 
patch, and instead of considering a coast to be clear, the contrary 
should be assumed. 

Fathom curves a caution. —Except in charts of harbors that 
have been surveyed in detail, the 5-fathom curve on most charts 
may be considered as a danger line or caution against unnecessarily 
approaching the shore or bank within that line, on account of the 
possible existence of undiscovered inequalities of the bottom, which 
only an elaborate detailed survey could reveal. In general surveys 
of coasts or of little frequented anchorages, the necessities of 
navigation do not demand the great expenditure of time required 
for so detailed a survey. It is not contemplated that ships will 
approach the shores in such localities without taking special pre¬ 
cautions. 

The 10-fathom curve on rock} r shores is another warning, espe¬ 
cially for ships of heavy draft. 

A useful danger curve will be obtained by tracing out with a col¬ 
ored pencil, or ink, the line of depth next greater than the draft of 
the ship using the chart. For vessels drawing less than 18 feet the 
edge of the sanding serves as a well-marked danger line. 

Charts on which no fathom curves are marked must especially be 
regarded with caution, as indicating that soundings were too scanty 
and the bottom too uneven to enable the curves to be drawn with 
accuracy. 

Isolated soundings, shoaler than surrounding depths, should always 
be avoided, especially if ringed around, as it is doubtful how closely 
the spot may have been examined and whether the least depth has 
been found. 

The chart on largest scale should always be used on account 
of its greater detail and the greater accuracy with which positions 
may be plotted on it. 

Caution in using small-scale charts. —In approaching the 
land or dangerous banks, regard must always be had to the scale of 
the chart used. A small error in laying down a position means 
only yards on a large-scale chart, whereas on one of small scale the 
same amount of displacement means a large fraction of a mile. 

Distortion of printed charts. —The paper on which charts are 
printed from engraved plates has to be damped. On drying dis¬ 
tortion takes place from the inequalities of the paper, which greatly 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


5 


varies with different papers and the amount of the damping; but 
it does not affect navigation. The larger the chart the greater the 
amount of this distortion. It must not, however, be expected that 
accurate series of angles taken to different points will always exactly 
agree when carefully plotted on the chart, especially if the lines to 
objects be long. 

Mercator chart. —Observed bearings are not identical with 
those measured on the Mercator chart (excepting only the bearings 
north and south, and east and west on the Equator) because the 
line of sight, except as affected by refraction, is a straight line 
and lies in the plane of the great circle, while the straight line on 
the chart (except the meridian line) represents, not the arc of a 
great circle, but the loxodromic curve, or rhumb line, which on the 
globe is a spiral approaching but never in theory reaching the pole, 
or, if the direction be east and west, a circle of latitude. 

The difference is not appreciable with near objects, and in 
ordinary navigation may be neglected. But in high latitudes, 
when the objects are very distant and especially when lying near 
east or west, the bearings must be corrected for the convergence of 
the meridians in order to be accurately placed on the Mercator 
chart, which represents the meridians as parallel. 

On the polyconic chart, since a straight line represents (within 
the limits of 15 or 20 degrees of longitude) the arc of a great circle 
or the shortest distance between two points, bearings of the chart 
are identical with observed bearings. 

The Mercator projection is unsuited to surveying, for which pur¬ 
pose the polyconic projection is used by the Hydrographic Office 
and the Coast and Geodetic Survey. 

Notes on charts should always be read with care, as they may 
give important information that can not be graphically represented. 

Buoys. —Too much reliance should not be placed on buoys 
always maintaining their exact positions. They should therefore be 
regarded as warnings, and not as infallible navigational marks, 
especially when in exposed places and in the winter time, and a 
ship’s position should always, when possible, be checked by bearings 
or angles of fixed objects on shore. 

Gas buoys. —The lights shown by gas buoys can not be implicitly 
relied on; the light may be altogether extinguished, or, if periodic, 
the apparatus may get out of order. 

Whistle and bell buoys are sounded only by the action of the sea; 
therefore, in calm weather, they are less effective or may not sound. 

Lights. —All the distances given in the Light Lists and on the 
charts for the visibility of lights are calculated for a height of 15 
feet for the observer’s eye. The effect of a greater or less height 


6 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


of eye can be ascertained by means of the table of distances of visi¬ 
bility due to height, published in the Light Lists. 

The glare of a powerful light is often seen far beyond the limit 
of visibility of the actual rays of the light, but this must not be 
confounded with the true range. Refraction, too, may often cause 
a light to be seen farther than under ordinary circumstances. 

When looking out for a light, the fact may be forgotten that 
aloft the range of vision is much increased. By noting a star imme¬ 
diately over the light a very correct bearing may be obtained from 
the standard compass when you lay down from aloft. 

On first making a light from the bridge, by at once lowering the 
eye several feet and noting whether the light is made to dip, it 
may be determined whether the ship is on the circle of visibility 
corresponding with the usual height of the eye, or unexpectedly 
nearer the light. 

The intrinsic power of a light should always be considered when 
expecting to make it in thick weather. A weak light is easily 
obscured by haze, and no dependence can be placed on its being 
seen. 

The power of a light can be estimated by its candlepower or order, 
as stated in the Light Lists, and in some cases by noting how much 
its visibility in clear weather falls short of the range corresponding 
to its height. Thus, a light standing 200 feet above the sea and 
recorded as visible only 10 miles in clear weather, is manifestly of 
little brilliancy, as its height would permit it to be seen over 20 
miles if of sufficient power. 

Fog signals. —Sound is conveyed in a very capricious way through 
the atmosphere. Apart from the influence of the wind large areas 
of silence have been found in different directions and at different 
distances from the origin of sound, even in clear weather; therefore, 
too much confidence should not be felt as to hearing a fog signal. 
The apparatus, moreover, for sounding the signal often requires some 
time before it is in readiness to act. A fog often creeps imperceptibly 
toward the land, and may not be observed by the lighthouse keepers 
until upon them; a ship may have been for many hours in it, and 
approaching the land in confidence, depending on the signal, which is 
not sounded. When sound travels against the wind, it may be thrown 
upward; a man aloft might then hear it though inaudible on deck. 

The submarine bell system of fog signals is much more reliable 
than systems transmitting sound through the air, as sound trav¬ 
eling in water is not subject to the same disturbing influences; the 
fallibility of the lighthouse keeper is, however, about the same in 
all systems, so that caution should be observed even by vessels 
equipped with submarine-bell receiving apparatus. 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


7 


Submarine bells have an effective range of audibility greater 
than signals sounded in air, and a vessel equipped with receiving 
apparatus may determine the approximate bearing of the signal. 
These signals may be heard also on vessels not equipped with receiv¬ 
ing apparatus by observers below the water line, but the bearing of 
the signal can not then be readily determined. 

Vessels equipped with radio apparatus and submarine bell receivers 
may fix their distance from a light vessel having radio and submarine 
bell, utilizing the difference in velocity of sound waves of the radio 
and the bell. Sound travels 4,794 feet per second at 66° F. in water, 
and the travel of radio sound waves for practicable distances may 
be taken as instantaneous. 

All vessels should observe the utmost caution in closing the land 
in fogs. The lead is the safest guide and should be faithfully used. 

Tides. —A knowledge of the times of high and low water and'of 
the amount of vertical rise and fall of the tide is of great impor¬ 
tance in the case of vessels entering or leaving port, especially when 
the low water is less than or near their draft. Such knowledge is 
also useful at times to vessels running close along a coast, in enabling 
them to anticipate the effect of the tidal currents in setting them on 
or offshore. This is especially important in fog or thick weather. 

The predicted times and heights of the high and low waters, or 
differences by which they may be readily obtained, are given in 
the Tide Tables for all the important ports of the world. The 
height at any intermediate time may be obtained by means of 
Table 3 for most of the principal tidal stations of the United 
States, given in Table 1, and for the subordinate stations of Table 
2 by using them as directed in the Tide Tables. The interme¬ 
diate height may also be obtained by plotting the predicted times 
and heights of high and low water and connecting the points by a 
curve. Such knowledge is often useful in crossing a bar or shallow 
flats. 

Planes of reference . 1 —The plane of reference for soundings on 
Hydrographic Office charts made from United States Government 
surveys and on Coast and Geodetic Survey charts of the Atlantic 
coast of the United States is mean low water; on the Pacific coast 
of the United States as far as the Strait of Juan Fuca, it is the mean of 
the lower low waters; and from Puget Sound to Alaska, the plane em¬ 
ployed on Hydrographic Office charts is low water ordinary springs. 

On most of the British Admiralty charts the plane of reference 
is the low water of ordinary springs; on French charts, the low 
water of equinoctial springs. 

i The distinction between “rise” and “range ” of the tide should be understood. The former expres¬ 
sion refers to the height attained above the datum plane or soundings, differing with the different planes 
of reference; the latter, to the difference of level between successive high and low waters. 

21235°—17-2 





8 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


In the case of many charts compiled from old or various sources 
the plane of reference may be in doubt. In such cases, or when¬ 
ever not stated on. the chart, the assumption that the reference 
plane is low water ordinary springs gives a larger margin of safety 
than mean low water. 

Whichever plane of reference may be used for a chart it must 
be remembered that there are times when the tide falls below it. 
Low water is lower than mean low water about half the time, and 
when a new or full moon occurs at perigee the low water is lower 
than the average low water of springs. At the equinoxes the spring 
range is also increased on the coasts of Europe, but in some other 
parts of the world, and especially in the Tropics, such periodic low 
tides may coincide more frequently with the solstices. 

Wind or a high barometer may at times cause the water to fall 
below even a very low plane of reference. 

On coasts where there is much diurnal inequality in the tides, the 
amount of rise and fall can not be depended upon and additional 
caution is necessary. 

Mean sea level. —The important fact should be remembered 
that the depths at half tide are practically the same for all tides, 
whether neaps or springs. Half tide therefore corresponds with 
mean sea level. This makes a very exact plane of reference, easily 
found, to which it would be well to refer all high and low waters. 

The Tide Tables give in Table 1, for all the ports, the plane of 
reference to which tidal heights are referred and its distance below 
mean sea level. See also explanation of Table 2. 

If called on to take special soundings for the chart at a place 
where there is no tidal bench mark, mean sea level should be found 
and the plane for reductions established at the proper distance 
below it, as ascertained by the Tide Tables, or by observations, or 
in some cases, if the time be short, by estimation, the data used 
being made a part of the record. 

Tidal streams. —In navigating coasts where the tidal range is 
considerable, especial caution is necessary. It should be remembered 
that there are indrafts to all bays and bights, although the general 
run of the stream may be parallel with the shore. 

The turn of the tidal stream offshore is seldom coincident with 
the times of high and low water on the shore. In some channels the 
tidal stream may overrun the turn of the vertical movement of the 
tide by three hours, forming what is usually known as tide and half 
tide, the effect of which is that at high and low water by the shore 
the stream is running at its greatest velocity. 

The effect of the tidal wave in causing currents may be illustrated 
by two simple cases. 


* GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


9 


(1) Whore there is a small tidal basin connected with the sea by a 
large opening. 

(2) Where there is a large tidal basin connected with the sea by , a 
small opening. 

In the first case the velocity of the current in the opening will have 
its maximum value when the height of the tide within is changing 
most rapidly, i. e., at a time about midway between high and low 
water. The water in the basin keeps at approximately the same level 
as the water outside. The flood stream corresponds with the rising 
and the ebb with the falling of the tide. 

In the second case the velocity of the current in the opening will 
have its maximum value when it is high water or low water without, 
for then there is the greatest head of water for producing motion. 
The flood stream begins about three hours after low water, and the 
ebb stream about three hours after high water, slack water thus 
occurring about midway between the tides. 

Along most shores not much affected by bays, tidal rivers, etc., the 
current usually turns soon after high water and low water. 

The swiftest current in straight portions of tidal rivers is usually 
in the middle of the stream, hut in curved portions the most rapid 
current is toward the outer edge of the curve, and here the water 
will be deepest. The pilot rule for best water is to follow the ebb 
tide reaches. 

Countercurrents and eddies may occur near the shores of straits, 
especially in bights and near points. A knowledge of them is useful 
in order that they may be taken advantage of or avoided. 

A swift current often occurs in a narrow passage connecting two 
large bodies of water, owing to their considerable difference of level 
at the same instant. The several passages between Vineyard Sound 
and Buzzards Bay are cases in point. In the Woods Hole passage 
the maximum strength of the tidal streams is at about high and low 
water. 

Tide rips are made by a rapid current setting over an irregular 
bottom, as at the edges of banks where the change of depth is con¬ 
siderable. 

Current arrows on charts show only the most usual or the mean 
direction of a tidal stream or current; it must not be assumed that 
the direction of a stream will not vary from that indicated by the 
arrow. The rate, also, of a stream constantly varies with circum¬ 
stances, and the rate given on the chart is merely the mean of those 
found during the survey, possibly from very few observations. 

FIXING POSITION. 

Sextant method. —The most accurate method available to the 
navigator of fixing a position relative to the shore is by plotting 
with a protractor, sextant angles between three well-defined objects on 


10 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


shore which are shown on the chart; this method, based on the 
“three-point problem” of geometry, should be in general use. 

For its successful employment it is necessary: First, that the 
objects be well chosen; and, second, that the observer be skillful and 
rapid in his use of the sextant. The latter is only a matter of practice. 
Two observers are better for this method. 

Near objects should be used either for bearings or angles for 
position in preference to distant ones, although the latter may be 
more prominent, as a small error in the bearing or angle or in laying 
it on the chart has a greater effect in misplacing the position the 
longer the line to be drawn. 

On the other hand distant objects should be used for direction, 
because less affected by a small error or change of position. 

The three-arm protractor or station pointer consists of a 
graduated brass circle with one fixed and two movable radial arms, 
the three beveled edges of the arms, if produced, intersecting at the 
exact center of the instrument. The edge of the fixed arm marks 
the zero of the graduation which enables the movable arms to be set 
at any angles with the fixed arm. 

To plot a position, the two angles observed between the three 
selected objects are set on the instrument, which is then moved over 
the chart until the three beveled edges pass respectively and simul¬ 
taneously through the three objects. The center of the instrument 
will then mark the ship’s position, which may be pricked on the 
chart or marked with a pencil point through the center hole. 

The transparent xylonite protractor is an excellent substitute 
for the brass instrument and in some cases preferable to it, as when, 
for instance, the objects angled on are so near the observer that they 
are more or less hidden by the circle of the instrument. The xylonite 
protractor also permits the laying down for simultaneous trial of a 
number of angles in cases of fixing important positions. Plain 
tracing paper may also be used if there are any suitable means of 
laying off the angles. 

The value of a determination depends greatly on the relative 

positions of the objects observed. If the position sought lies on 
the circle passing through three objects (in which case the sum 
of the observed angles equals the supplement of the angle at the 
middle object made by lines from the other two) it will be inde¬ 
terminate, as it will plot all around the circle. Such an observation 
is called a “revolver. ” An approach to this condition must be avoided. 
Near objects are better than distant ones, and, in general, up to 90° 
!;he larger the angles the better, remembering always that large as well 
as small angles may plot on or near the circle and hence be worthless. 
If the objects are well situated, even very small angles will give for 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


11 


navigating purposes a fair position, when that obtained by bearings 
of the same objects would be of little value. 

Accuracy requires that the two angles be simultaneous. If under 
way and there is but one observer the angle that changes less rapidly 
may be observed both before and after the other angle and the 
proper value obtained by interpolation. 

A single angle and a range of two objects give in general an excel¬ 
lent fix, easily obtained and plotted. 

Advantages of sextant method. —In many narrow waters where 
the objects may yet be at some distance, as in coral harbors or nar¬ 
row passages among mud banks, navigation by sextant and protractor 
is invaluable, as a true position can in general be obtained only by 
its means. Positions by bearings are too rough to depend upon, 
and a small error in either taking or plotting a bearing might under 
such circumstances put the ship ashore. 

In all cases where great accuracy of position is desired, such as 
the fixing of a rock or shoal, or of fresh soundings or new buildings 
as additions to the chart, the sextant should invariably be used. In 
all such cases angles should be taken to several objects, the more the 
better; but five objects is a good number, as the four angles thus 
obtained not only prevent any errors, but they at once furnish a 
means of checking the accuracy of the chart itself. If a round of 
angles can be taken the observer’s accuracy is also ohecked. In the 
case of ordinary soundings a third angle need be taken only occa¬ 
sionally; first, to check the general accuracy of the ohart, as above 
stated; second, to make certain that the more important soundings, 
as at the end of a line, are correctly placed. 

If communication can be had with the shore, positions may be 
fixed with great accuracy by occupying with theodolite or sextant 
two known points of the chart. The third angle of the triangle, 
that between the two points at the position sought, should be 
measured as a check. 

The compass. —It is not intended that the use of the compass to 
fix the ship should be given up; in ordinary piloting the compass, 
with its companion, the pelorus, may be usefully employed for this 
purpose, although less accurate than the sextant. 

If the accuracy of the chart is doubtful, the compass should be 
used in preference to the sextant. 

In fixing by the compass, it should always be remembered that 
a position by two bearings only, like that by two angles only, is 
liable to error. An error may be made in taking a bearing, or in 
applying to it the deviation, or in laying it on the chart. A third 
or check bearing should, therefore, be taken of some other object, 
especially when near the shore or dangers. A common intersection 
for the three lines assures accuracy. 


12 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


When the three lines do not intersect in a point, the following rule 
holds: If the line drawn to the middle object falls to the right of 
the point of intersection of the lines to the two outside objects, the 
position of the observer was to the right of the line to the middle 
object; and if it falls to the left of the intersection his position was 
to the left of the line. Thus it will be seen that the assumption, 
that the position is at the center of the triangle formed by the 
intersecting lines, is incorrect. 

Doubling the angle on the bow. —The method of fixing by 
doubling the angle on the bow is invaluable. The ordinary form 
of it, the so-called “bow and beam bearing/’ the distance from the 
object rvt the latter position being the distance run between the 
times of taking the two bearings, gives the maximum of accuracy, 
and is an excellent fix for a departure, but does not insure safety ; 
as the object observed and any dangers off it are abeam before the 
position is obtained. 

By taking the bearings at two points and four points on the bow, 
a fair position is obtained before the object is passed, the distance 
of the latter at the second position being, as before, equal to the 
distance run in the interval, allowing for current. Taking after¬ 
wards the beam bearing gives, with slight additional trouble, the 
distance of the object when abeam; such beam bearings and dis¬ 
tances, with the times, should be continuously recorded as fresh 
departures, the importance of which will be appreciated in cases 
of being suddenly shut in by fog. 

When the first bearing is 26J° from ahead, and the second 45°, 
the run between bearings will equal the distance at which the object 
will be passed abeam. 

A table of multipliers of the distance run in the interval between 
any two bearings of an object, the product being its distance at 
the time of the second bearing, is given in the Light Lists and in 
Bowditch. 

Danger angle. —The utility of the danger angle in passing out¬ 
lying rocks or dangers should not be forgotten. In employing the 
horizontal danger angle, however, caution is necessary, as should 
the chart be inaccurate, i. e., should the objects selected be not 
quite correctly placed, the angle taken off from it may not serve 
the purpose. It should not, therefore, be emplo 3 md when the survey 
is old or manifestly imperfect. 

The vertical danger angle may be conveniently used when passing 
elevated points of known heights, such as lighthouses, cliffs, etc. 
The computation of the distance corresponding to the height of 
the object and its angular elevation requires for small distances 
merely the solution of a plain right triangle; the natural cotangent 
of the angle multiplied by the height in feet gives the distance in 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


13 


feet. The convenient use of this method, however, requires tables 
such as those published by Capt. Lecky in his little book entitled 
“The Danger Angle and Offshore Distance Tables.” This book 
very usefully extends the vertical angle method to finding a 
ship’s position at sea by observing the angular altitude of a peak 
of known height and its bearing. The tables give heights up to 
18,000 feet and distances up to 110 miles. 

When the angles are not too large they should be observed “on and 
off the limb” and the index error of the sextant thus eliminated, in 
preference to correcting for it the single altitude. It must be re¬ 
membered that in high latitudes the bearing of a distant object needs 
correction for the convergence of the meridians before being laid down 
on a Mercator chart. The correction may be found by the following 
formula, using the approximate position: The sine of the correction 
equals the product of the sine of half the difference of longitude by 
the sine of the middle latitude. It is applied on the equatorial side 
of the observed bearing and its effect is always to increase the latitude 
of the observer. 

Soundings taken at random are of little value in fixing or check¬ 
ing position and may at times be misleading. In thick weather, 
when near or closing the land, soundings should be taken continu¬ 
ously and at regular intervals, and, with the character of the bottom, 
systematically recorded. By laying the soundings on tracing paper, 
according to the scale of the chart, along a line representing the 
track of the ship, and then moving the paper over the chart, keeping 
the line representing the track parallel with the course until the 
observed soundings agree with those of the chart, the ship’s position 
will in general be quite well determined. This plan was suggested 
by Lord Kelvin, whose admirable sounding machine renders the 
operation of sounding possible in quite deep water, without slowing 
down the ship and consequent loss of time. 

Pelorus.—All ships should be supplied with the means of taking 
accurate bearings both by night and by day. The standard compass 
is not always conveniently placed for the purpose; in such case a 
pelorus will be very useful, but the results are not as accurate as 
those obtained direct from the compass. The utility of such an 
instrument in ascertaining the change of bearing of an approaching 
ship should not be overlooked. 

Position lines. —Among the various methods of fixing position 
at sea, the one which should be best understood and put to the 
most constant use is that employing position or Sumner lines. These 
lines give the most comprehensive information to the navigator with 
the least expenditure of labor and time. The knowledge gained is 
that the vessel must be somewhere on the line, provided the data 
used is accurate and the chronometer correct. As the information 


14 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


given by one line of position is not sufficient to determine the definite 
location of the vessel, it is necessary to cross this line by another 
similarly obtained, and the vessel being somewhere on both must 
be at their intersection. However, a single line, at times, will 
furnish the mariner with invaluable information; for instance, if 
it is directed toward the coast, it marks the bearing of a definite 
point on the shore, or if parallel to the coast, it clearly indicates 
the distance off, and so will often be found useful as a course. A 
sounding taken at the same time with the observation will in certain 
conditions prove of great value in giving an approximate position 
on the line. 

The easiest and quickest way to establish a line of position is by 
employing the method of Marcq St. Hilaire, as modified by the use 
of tables of altitude. The principle of this method is one of altitude 
differences, in which the observed altitude is compared with the 
computed altitude for a dead reckoning, or other selected position, 
and the difference in minutes of latitude measured toward the body 
along the line of its azimuth, if the observed altitude is greater than 
the computed altitude, and vice versa. A line drawn at right angles 
to the line of azimuth through the point thus determined is the 
position line, somewhere upon which will be found the position of the 
vessel. The tables of altitude obviate the computation of the altitude 
and thereby greatly facilitate the establishment of the line. 

A position line may also be found by computing two positions for 
longitude with two assumed latitudes, and drawing the line between 
them; or by drawing to the position obtained with one latitude a 
line at right angles to the bearing of the body as taken from the 
azimuth tables. 

A very accurate position can be obtained by observing two or 
more stars at morning or evening twilight, at which time the horizon 
is well defined. The position lines thus obtained will, if the bearings 
of the stars differ three points or more, give an excellent result. 
A star or planet at twilight and the sun afterwards or before may be 
combined; also two observations of the sun with sufficient interval 
to admit of a considerable change of bearing. In these cases one 
of the lines must be moved for the run of the ship. The moon is 
often visible during the day and in combination with the sun gives 
an excellent fix. 

The morning and evening twilight observations, besides their 
great accuracy, possess the additional advantage of greatly 
extending the ship's reliable reckoning beyond the limits of the 
ordinary day navigation, and correspondingly restricting the d^ad 
reckoning uncertainties of the night. An early morning fix in 
particular is often of great value. Though the same degree of 




GENERAL NAVIGATION. 15 

accuracy as at twilight can not be expected, night observations are 
very valuable and should be assiduously practiced. 

Piloting. —The navigator, in making his plan for entering a 
strange port, should give very careful previous study to the chart 
and sailing directions, and should select what appear to be the most 
suitable marks for use, also providing himself with substitutes to 
use in case those selected as most suitable should prove unreliable 
in not being recognized with absolute certainty. Channel buoys 
seen from a distance are difficult to identify, because their color is 
sometimes not easily distinguished and they may appear equally 
distant from the observer even though they be at widely varying 
distances. Ranges should be noted, if possible, and the lines drawn, 
both for leading through the best water in channels, and also for 
guarding against particular dangers; for the latter purpose safety 
bearings should in all cases be laid down where no suitable ranges 
appear to offer. The courses to bo steered in entering should also 
be laid down and distances marked thereon. If intending to use 
the sextant and danger angle in passing dangers, and especially in 
passing between dangers, the danger circles should be plotted and 
regular courses planned, rather than to run haphazard by the indi¬ 
cations of the angle alone, with the possible trouble from bad steering 
at critical points. 

The ship’s position should not be allowed to be in doubt at any 
time, even in entering ports considered safe and easy of access, 
and should be constantly checked, continuing to use for this purpose 
those marks concerning which there can be no doubt until others 
are unmistakably identified. 

The ship should ordinarily steer exact courses and follow an exact 
line, as planned from the chart, changing course at precise points, 
and, where the distances are considerable, her position on the line 
should be checked at frequent intervals. This is desirable even 
where it may seem unnecessary for safety, because if running by the 
eye alone and the ship’s exact position be immediately required, as 
in a sudden fog or squall, fixing at that particular moment may be 
attended with difficulty. 

The habit of running exact courses with precise changes of course 
will be found most useful when it is desired to enter port or pass 
through inclosed waters during fog by means of the buoys; here 
safety demands that the buoys be made successively, to do which 
requires, if the fog be dense, very accurate courses and careful 
attention to the times, the speed of the ship, and the set of the 
current; failure to make a buoy as expected leaves, as a rule, no safe 
alternative but to anchor at once, with perhaps a consequent serious 
loss of time. 


16 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


In passing between dangers where there are no suitable leading 
marks, as, for instance, between two islands or an island and the 
main shore, with dangers extending from both, a mid-channel course 
may be steered by the eye alone with great accuracy, as the eye is 
able to estimate very closely the direction midway between visible 
objects. 

In piloting among coral reefs or banks, a time should be chosen 
when the sun will be astern, conning the vessel from aloft or from 
an elevated position forward. The line of demarcation between 
the deep water and the edges of the shoals, which generally show 
as green patches, is indicated with surprising clearness. This 
method is of frequent application in the numerous passages of the 
Florida Keys. 

Changes of course should in general be made by exact amounts, 
naming the new course or the amount of the change desired, rather 
than by ordering the helm to be put over and then steadying when 
on the desired heading, with the possibility of the attention being 
diverted and so of forgetting in the meantime, as may happen, that 
the ship is still swinging. The helmsman, knowing just what is 
desired and the amount of the change to be made, is thus enabled 
to act more intelligently and to avoid bad steering, which in narrow 
channels is a very positive source of danger. 

Coast piloting involves the same principles and requires that 
the ship’s position be continuously determined or checked as the 
landmarks are passed. On well-surveyed coasts there is a great 
advantage in keeping near the land, thus holding cn to the marks 
and the soundings, and thereby knowing at all times the positions 
rather than keeping offshore and losing the marks, with the neces¬ 
sity of again making the land from vague positions, and perhaps 
the added inconvenience of fog or bad weather, involving a serious 
loss of time and fuel. 

The route should be planned for normal conditions of weather, 
with suitable variations where necessary in case of fog or bad 
weather or making points at night, the courses and distances, in 
case of regular runs over the same route, being entered in a note¬ 
book for ready reference, as well as laid down on the chart. The 
danger circles for either the horizontal or the vertical danger angles 
should be plotted, wherever the method can be usefully employed, 
and the angles marked thereon; many a mile may thus be saved in 
rounding dangerous points with no sacrifice in safety. Ranges 
should also be marked in, where useful for position or for safety, and 
also to use in checking the deviation of the compass by comparing 
in crossing, the compass bearing of the range with its magnetic 
bearing, as given by the chart. 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. ' 


17 


Changes of course will in general be made with mark or object 
abeam, the position (a new “departure”) being then, as a rule, 
best and most easily obtained. The pelorus should be at all times 
in readiness for use, and the chart where it may be readily consulted 
by the officer of the watch. The sextant should also be kept con¬ 
veniently at hand. 

A continuous record of the progress of the ship should be kept 
by the officer of the watch, the time and patent-log reading of all 
changes of course and of all bearings, especially the two and four 
point bearings, with distance of object when abeam, being noted in 
a book kept in the pilot house for this especial purpose. The ship’s 
reckoning is thus continuously cared for as a matter of routine and 
without the presence or particular order of the captain or navigating 
officer. The value of thus keeping the reckoning always fresh and 
exact will be especially appreciated in cases of sudden fog or when 
making points at night. 

Where the coastwise trip must be made against a strong head 
wind, it is desirable, with trustworthy charts, to skirt the shore as 
closely as possible in order to avoid the heavier seas and adverse 
current that prevail farther out. In some cases, with small ships, 
a passage can be made only in this way. The important saving 
of coal and of time, which is even more precious, thus effected by 
skillful coast piloting makes this subject one of prime importance 
to the navigator. 

Chang© in the variation of the compass . 1 —The gradual 
change in the variation must not be forgotten in laying down on 
the chart courses and bearings. The magnetic compasses placed on 
the charts for the purpose of facilitating the plotting become in 
time slightly in error, and in some cases, such as with small scales or 
when the lines are long, the displacement of position from neglect of 
this change may be of importance. The date of the variation and 
the annual change, as given on the compass rose, facilitate correc¬ 
tions when the change has been considerable. The compasses are 
reengraved once in ten years; more frequent alterations on one spot 
in a copperplate would not be practicable. 

The change in the variation is in some parts of the world so rapid 
as to need careful consideration, requiring a frequent change of the 
course. For instance, in approaching Halifax from Newfoundland 
the variation changes 10° in less than 500 miles. 

Local magnetic disturbance of the compass on board 
ship. —The term “local magnetic disturbance” has reference only 
to the effects on the compass of magnetic masses external to the 


i See H. O. Chart No. 2406, Variation of the compass. 




18 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


ship. Observation shows that disturbance of the compass in a 
ship afloat is experienced in only a few places on the globe. 

Magnetic laws do not permit of the supposition that the visible 
land causes such disturbance, because the effect of a magnetic 
force diminishes so rapidly with distance that it would require a 
local center of magnetic force of an amount absolutely unknown 
to affect a compass half a mile distant. 

Such deflections of the compass are due to magnetic minerals 
in the bed of the sea under the ship, and when the water is shallow 
and the force strong, the compass may be temporarily deflected 
when passing over such a spot; but the area of disturbance will be 
small unless there are many centers near together. 

Use of oil for modifying the effect of breaking waves.— 
Many experiences of late years have shown that the utility of oil 
for this purpose is undoubted, and the application simple. 

The following may serve for the guidance of seamen, whose attention 
is called to the fact that a very small quantity of oil, skillfully applied, 
may prevent much damage both to ships, especially of the smaller 
classes, and to boats by modifying the action of breaking seas. 

The principal facts as to the use of oil are as follows: 

1. On free waves, i. e., waves in deep water, the effect is greatest. 

2. In a surf, or waves breaking on a bar, where a mass of liquid is 
in actual motion in shallow water, the effect of the oil is uncertain, 
as nothing can prevent the larger waves from breaking under such 
circumstances; but even here it is of some service. 

3. The heaviest and thickest oils are most effectual. Kefined 
kerosene is of little use; crude petroleum is serviceable when no other 
oil is obtainable, or it may be mixed with other oils; all animal and 
vegetable oils, such as waste oil from the engines, have great effect. 

4. In cold water, the oil, being thickened by the low temperature 
and not being able to spread freely, will have its effect much reduced, 
a rapid-spreading oil should be used. 

5. A small quantity of oil suffices, if applied in such a manner 
as to spread to windward. 

6. It is useful in a ship or boat either when running, or lying-to, 
or in wearing. 

7. When lowering and hoisting boats in a heavy sea the use of oil 
has been found greatly to facilitate the operation. 

• 8. For a ship at sea the best method of application appears to be 
to hang over the side, in such a manner as to be in the water, small 
canvas bags, capable of holding from 1 to 2 gallons of oil, the bags 
being pricked with a sail needle to permit leakage. The waste pipes 
forward are also very useful for this purpose. 


GENERAL NAVIGATION. 


19 


9. Crossing a bar with a flood tide, to pour oil overboard and 
allow it to float in ahead of the boat, which would follow with a 
bag towing astern, would appear to be the best plan. 

On a bar, with the ebb tide running, it would seem to be useless 
to try oil for the purpose of entering. 

10. For boarding a wreck, it is recommended to pour oil over¬ 
board to windward of her before going alongside, bearing in mind 
that her natural tendency is always to forge ahead. If she is aground 
the effect of oil will depend upon attending circumstances. 

11. For a boat riding in bad weather to a sea anchor, it is recom¬ 
mended to fasten the bag to an endless line rove through a block on 
the sea anchor, by which means the oil can be diffused well ahead of 
the boat, and the bag readily hauled on board for refilling, if necessary. 




CHAPTER I. 


GENERAL REMARKS—BAY OF BISCAY—SOUNDINGS—WINDS AND 
WEATHER—CURRENTS—TIDES—FRENCH PORT REGULATIONS— 
LIGHTS—BUOYS—FOG SIGNALS—PILOTAGE—FRENCH AND SPAN¬ 
ISH UNIFORM SYSTEMS OF BUOYAGE—SIGNAL PROHIBITING 
ENTRY INTO FRENCH PORTS—WEATHER AND STORM SIGNALS— 
LIFE-SAYING STATIONS—COAL—NATAL DOCKYARDS—COMMUNI¬ 
CATION-STANDARD TIME —REFUGE ANCHORAGES — ICE — PAS¬ 
SAGES. 


General remarks.—The west coast of France, between Ushant 
and the entrance of the Gironde River, varies in height, the highest 
part, in the vicinity of Douarnenez Bay, being more than 1,000 feet 
above the sea. It is broken and bordered by numerous islands, rocks, 
and sand banks. -Southward of the Gironde, as far as the Bidassoa, 
which forms the boundary line between France and Spain, the coast 
is tolerably low and uniform, with sandy downs and generally clear 
of off-lying shoals. 

The principal rivers are the Loire and Garonne, known in its lower 
part as the Gironde; and among the smaller ones are the Odet, 
Vilaine, and Adour. 

The only islands of any magnitude are on the northwestern part of 
the coast, and the principal are Ushant, Belle He, lies d’Yen, de Re, 
and d’Oleron. 

The chief ports are: Brest, one of the French naval ports, which 
possesses an extensive roadstead or harbor; Port Louis and Lorient, 
a French naval and commercial port; St. Nazaire and Nantes, on the 
River Loire; la Rochelle and Rochefort, in the Pertuis d’Antioche; 
Bordeaux, on the Garonne, the fourth port in France, and which has 
the advantage of communication with the Mediterranean by the 
Canal du Midi; and Bayonne, on the Adour. 

The north .coast of Spain, known among navigators as the coast 
of Cantabria, trends generally westward from the Bidassoa River 
to Cape Ortegal, whence it turns south westward to Cape Torinana. 
It is bold and rocky, formed by the slopes of the Cantabrian chain of 
mountains, which runs parallel within it at distances of 18 to 30 
miles, sending off spurs toward the sea, generally terminating in 
steep cliffs and inclines. The only part of this coast favored with 
pood harbors is the western. 


21 



/ 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


22 

The chief ports fire Port Pasajes, San Sebastian, Bilbao, San¬ 
tander, Gijon, Ferrol, and Coruna. 

Bay of Biscay, called by the French le Golfe de Gascogne, is 
limited eastward by the west coast of France, and southward by the 
north coast of Spain. It is about 300 miles across from Ushant on 
the northeast to Cape Ortegal on the southwest, and is 240 miles deep 
to the southeastward. 

Soundings.— Generally, on the coasts described in this volume, 
the 100-fathom curve may be considered for practical purposes the 
edge of soundings, as seaward of that depth the water deepens 
rapidly, and the bottom is rarely obtained in the ordinary course of 
navigation. 

The western edge of the bank southwestward of the British Isles 
falls suddenly from depths of about 100 fathoms to deep water, and' 
approximately from 36 miles westward of the southwestern point of 
Ireland takes a southerly direction for 135 miles, and thence trends 
east-southeastward to about 80 miles southwestward'of Ushant. 

West coast of France. —On the parallel of Ushant, 48° 28' N., 
the 100-fathom edge of soundings is found in about longitude 9° 25' 
W., but for 60 miles westward of this meridian the depths are very 
irregular, there being several places where the depths are less than 
100 fathoms, with water between them in some cases over 1,000 
fathoms deep. This parallel from longitude 9° 25' W. to longitude 
7° 55' W. is only 6 to 15 miles northward of the 100-fa thorn curve 
and the depths on it are very uneven as far eastward as longi¬ 
tude 7° 30' W. Little Sole Bank, sand, with 63 to 70 fathoms on it, 
is in longitude 8° 53' W., and extends 4 miles north-northeastward 
and south-southwestward. 

As Ushant is approached from the meridian of 70° 30' W., the 
shoaling is more gradual, depths of 70 fathoms being reached in 
longitude 6° 08' W. Shamrock Knoll, with general depths of 66 to 
69 fathoms, but with a depth of 59 fathoms in its middle part in 
latitude 48° 29' N., longitude 7° 20' W., extends 17 miles north- 
northeastward and south-southwestward. The northeastern part of 
Parsons Bank is crossed in longitude 6° 25' W., and here within a 
distance of about 10 miles the depths decrease from 81 to 57 fathoms, 
and increase again to 72 fathoms. From the depths of 57 fathoms 
Parsons Bank extends south-southwestward for about 22 miles within 
depths of 70 fathoms. The least depth on the bank is 56 fathoms, 6 
miles southwest by west of the .57-fathom patch. 

A bank of 69 fathoms, gravel and shells, with 72 to 91 fathoms 
around, lies about 7 miles east-southeastward of the southern end of 
Parsons Bank. Eastward of Parsons Bank the depths are 77 to 70 
fathoms, sand and sand and shells. About 27 miles from Ushant, on 
the parallel of that island, the depths are 65 fathoms, fine sand. 


SOUK DINGS. 


23 


On the parallel of the Chaussee de Sein, 48° 3' N., the 100-fathom 
edge of soundings is found in longitude 7° 35' W., whence the depths 
are generally over 90 fathoms as far eastward as longitude 6° 38' W., 
but a depth of 69 fathoms on the southern part of a ridge, which has 
63 to 72, fathoms over it, and which extends northeastward 20 miles, 
is crossed in longitude 7° 02' AY. This ridge lies about 7 miles west¬ 
ward of the southern part of Parsons Bank, with depths of from 
80 to 90 fathoms between. Eastward of longitude 6° 38' AV. the 
depth is between 84 and 70 fathoms to longitude 5° 44' AY., and the 
60-fathom curve is reached in longitude 5° 24' AA., or about 12 miles 
from the western end of the chaussee. 

A bank with 66 to 68 fathoms on it lies with its northern end in 
latitude 47° 56' X., longitude 6° 37' AY., whence it extends southwest- 
ward 10 miles; and another bank, with 58 to 70 fathoms on it and 73 
to 84 fathoms around, lies with its northern end in latitude 48° 4' N., 
longitude 6° 10' AA and extends southwestward 11 miles. 

La Chapelle Bank, with a depth of 83 fathoms on it and deeper 
water around, lies on the edge of soundings in latitude 47° 38' N., 
longitude 7° 20' AAh 


The central part of the Bay of Biscay is very deep, and about 
midway between Ushant and Cape Ortegal attains a depth of 2,700 
fathoms, over a bottom of gray mud and shells. The 100-fathom 
curve from about 80 miles southwestward of Ushant follows the 
west coast of France about 90 miles distant as far southward as 
the mouth of the Gironde; it then curves east-southeastward and 
runs southward from 35 to 25 miles from the land to the south¬ 
eastern angle of the bay, where the Fosse de Cap Breton, a narrow 
tongue of deep water, stretches eastward, and has a depth of 100 
fathoms about 2 miles from the shore. 

The edge of soundings may generally be observed in fine weather 
by the numerous ripplings in its vicinity; and in boisterous weather 
the transition from deep to comparatively shoal water is rendered 
apparent by a turbulent sea and the sudden alterations in the color 
of the water, which changes from a dark indigo blue to various 
shades of green. 

The line of depths of 50 fathoms is still more regular. From about 
7 miles southward of Penmarc’h Point it takes a general south¬ 
easterly direction, passing about 11 miles westward of Belle He and 
5 miles westward of Roche Bonne, to about 20 miles northwestward 
of Areachon, thence running nearly parallel with the land to the 
head of the Fosse de Cap Breton. 

From the parallel of Penmarc’h, 47° 48' N., to that of the entrance 
of the Gironde, 45° 40' X., the western part of the plateau of sound¬ 
ings is formed of gray sand mixed with gravel and broken shells; 


21235°—17 - 3 



24 


GENERAL RFMARKS. 


farther eastward the sand becomes muddy, accompanied with gravel, 
till a remarkable zone of soft mud is reached. This zone extends 
from a few miles northward of Penmarc’h Point to about 15 miles 
southward of Roche Bonne Plateau, thus occupying a length of 
about 150 miles northwest and southeast, with an average width of 
20 miles. The western limit of this muddy area passes 32 miles from 
Penmarc’h, 35 miles from Belle He, 40 miles from lie d’Yeu, and 
30 miles westward of Roche Bonne Plateau. Its eastern limit be¬ 
gins at the rocks of Penmarc’h, runs round the Glenan Isles, passes 
5 miles westward from lie de Groix, 13 miles from Belle lie, 20 miles 
from He d’Yeu, and 2 miles from Roche Bonne Plateau. The mud 
is soft, especially in its western part, where it is mixed with very 
fine sand, and will scarcely adhere to the lead; toward its eastern 
edge it is harder and mixed with gravel. Eastward of the zone of 
mud the bottom is sand, which, northward of the Roche Bonne, is 
gray, varied by gravel, shingle, and broken shells, whilst southward 
and eastward of that plateau it is generally red with black specks. 

As far southward as the He d’Yeu, within depths of 22 to 28 
fathoms, a rocky bottom extends off' the land, but from that isle to 
the Bidassoa sand reaches to the coast. 

South of latitude 45° 30' N., all the plateau from the edge of 
soundings to the coast is formed of muddy gray sand, accompanied 
with gravel and pulverized shells in a quantity more or less consid¬ 
erable. 

Off the mouth of the Gironde and as far northward as the Pertuis 
de Maumusson the bottom is mud, which extends northwestward 
toward the area of soft mud already described. 

Mariners approachkig the west coast of France should use the lead 
long before making the land, for thick fog may be experienced even 
in fine weather, and the soundings will assist in fixing the position 
if they are taken methodically and at small distances apart. 

j>Torth coast of Spain. —The 100-fathom curve runs irregularly 
along the north coast of Spain at distances varying between 3 and 
26 miles from it. 

Winds and weather—Bay of Biscay. —The prevailing winds in 
the Bay of Biscay throughout the year are between southwest and 
northwest. Severe gales are frequently experienced from these direc¬ 
tions, often attended with violent squalls, rain, hail, and thick 
weather. They cause a very heavy sea in the bay and at the mouth 
of the English Channel, and give rise to currents setting toward the 
coast. 

These gales are principally due to the cyclonic systems which visit 
the British Islands, and generally pass along the west coast of Ire¬ 
land and between Scotland and Iceland, though not infrequently 


WIND AND WEATHER. 


25 


they cross Great Britain and disperse either in the North Sea or on 
some part of the continent adjacent. 

A low barometer, heavy banks of clouds with lightning to the 
westward, a threatening appearance at sunrise or sunset, and often 
an ominous westerly swell are each and all indicative of the approach 
of one of these gales, and, as a rule, the longer the indications the 
greater its force and duration. Commencing very often at southward 
or southwestward with rain and thick weather, the wind veers to 
westward and northwestward with clear weather; and, perhaps, after 
lasting from this quarter for a day or to, backs again to the old 
quarter. The barometer may then slightly rise, indicating a greater 
force in the wind, which may continue for several days to blow in 
the same direction, shifting two or three points either way with 
occasional lulls, and finally with a decided rise in the barometer the 
gale blows itself out from the northwestward or northward. 

The backing of the wind from northwestward toward westward 
and southwestward, when accompanied by a continuous fall of the 
barometer,, also indicates the approach of bad weather from the 
southwest. 

No fixed rule appears applicable to these gales, especially near the 
land: however, they usually commence near southwest and finish near 
northwest. They are also felt in all their strength on the north and 
northwest coasts of Spain, where a lull, accompanied by a westerly 
swell, succeeding winds from the southwest, is regarded as a sign 
of the approach of these gales. 

Easterly winds occur at intervals throughout the year southward 
of the Gironde, especially about the equinoxes, when they often in¬ 
crease to gales of long continuance, generally attended with fine clear 
weather and high barometer. February and March are the months 
in which these winds are strongest and most frequent. 

In spring the prevailing winds in the latitude of Brest are from 
the northwestern semicircle, between northeast and southwest. Fur- 

* i . 

ther southward the frequency of winds between northeast and west 
remains nearly the same, but that of southwesterly winds diminishes 
considerably. Northward of the Gironde winds from the south¬ 
eastern semicircle are uncommon, but southward of that river easterly 
and westerly winds prevail over those from the north and south, and 
at the head of the bay winds from the east and southwest are ex¬ 
perienced most. 

In June, July, and August fine weather and light southerly and 
southeasterly winds are often experienced in the Bay of Biscay and 
westerly gales are least frequent; but this season is by no means 
exempt from both easterly and westerly gales. Northward of the 
Gironde the most frequent winds are those between northeast and 
west (through north). Southwesterly winds, which still prevail in 


26 


G E N ERAL RE M A R KS. 


the neighborhood of Brest, are uncommon southward of the Loire. 
From the Gironde to the head of the bay northerly winds are less 
frequent. Northeasterly winds veer toward east; those from north¬ 
west back toward west. 

In autumn, from Brest to the Pertuis, the winds are more variable 
than in the two preceding seasons, and those from the east are more 
frequent. Southward of the Gironde the frequency of northerly and 
southerly winds diminishes, while that of easterly and westerly winds 
increases considerably. At the head of the bay almost the only winds 
experienced are easterly and those from the southwest quadrant. 


In winter winds from west-southwest to south-southwest prevail 
off Brest. At the entrance to the Gironde and along the coast of the 
Landes the winds are very irregular, but seldom blow from the north¬ 
ward or southward. At the head of the bay the prevailing winds 
are as in autumn. 

Barometer.— The graduation of barometric scales in millibars 
having now been largely introduced, the accompanying diagram is 
inserted to enable the mariner to convert millibars into inches and 


vice versa: 


970 980 990 iooo toio lozo 1030 io4o 1050 Millibars 


III, 

.III 

III. i 

| 

III! 

1 III 

jLI 

In 

jjlL 

iir 

llii 

111 

ill 

, J|l 

III, 


111! 

n 


i 1 

1 1 1 

'i 

j V 

T 

1 

fTT" 

T 

1 1 1 1 

1 1 

' 1 

1' 


29 30 31 Inches 

Fogs prevail in October and November, both on the shores of the 
bay and in the bay itself, but it is seldom that a change of wind does 
not disperse them within 24 hours. 

Rain is most common during winter and at the time of the 
equinoxes. 

Currents.—As knowledge of oceanic circulation increases it be¬ 
comes more and more apparent that the currents are very variable 
both in rate and direction, and that even the most marked and per¬ 
manent of them may run in streaks, which sway about in their course, 
producing great variations within a few miles or at short intervals 
of time. 

The broad drift currents formed by the influence of the winds, 
which produce the more rapid and well-defined stream currents, 
naturally vary even more. 

The general easterly drift of the North Atlantic, striking the land 
about Cape Ortegal in Spain, divides into two branches, the northern 
portion flowing eastward along the north coast of Spain, and the 
other southward along the coast of Portugal. In ordinary weather 
this drift is slight, and no dependence can be placed in its being felt 
by the mariner; in fact, northward of Cape Ortegal the current fre- 





































TIDES. 


27 

quently runs with the wind, but with strong westerly winds in the 
Atlantic a very considerable current is experienced oft' Cape Fin- 
isterre and along all the north coast of Spain. 

In the Bay of Biscay, although the general set is eastward, the 
currents are very irregular and much influenced by the present and 
lately prevailing winds in the Atlantic to the westward, and within 
the 100-fathom curve by the tidal streams as well. 

During and after westerly winds the easterly current experienced 
in crossing the bay may be very strong. 

The current setting into the southern part of the Bay of Biscay, 
turned northward by the coast of France, may set northwestward past 
the Chaussee de Sein, and thence across the entrance of the English 
Channel toward Cape Clear. It is, however, well established that 
this latter, the Pennell current, only occurs occasionally; but, as it 
may attain a velocity of 1 to H knots an hour, its possible existence 
should be borne in mind. 

Tides. —The tidal wave which runs northward along the west 
coasts of Portugal and Spain propagates itself in an east-south- 
easterly direction into the Bay of Biscay and causes the earliest high 
water near the southeastern corner of the bay between Santona and 
San Sebastian on the north coast of Spain. The wave then expands 
and produces high water later at places to the westward on the north 
coast of Spain and the northward on the west coast of France. Thus 
at Santona it is high water about 19 minutes sooner than at Ferrol, 
14 minutes than at Port Pasajes. 30 minutes than at le:? Sables 
d’Olonne, 37 minutes than at Port le Palais, Belle He, and 52 minutes 
than at Ushant. 

The tidal rise on the west coast of France is greater in proportion 
as shoal water extends off the land and at the openings in the land. 
Thus at the head of the Bay of Biscay, where the depths are great 
near the land, the tidal rise above low-water ordinary springs is only 
11 feet, while it is 134 feet at Cordon an and 19^ feet at Brest. 

Barometric pressure and the direction of the prevailing winds have 
a marked influence on the tidal rise. With a low barometer and 
westerly winds the rise is increased several inches, and with a high 
barometer and easterly winds it is decreased several inches. 

It is high water at Cape Finisterre 55 minutes later than it is at 
Lagos on the south coast of Portugal, and the tidal rise on the north 
and northwest coasts of Spain, the coasts of Portugal, and the south¬ 
west coast of Spain is from 10 to la feet at springs. 

Tidal streams— West coast of France.—The tidal streams are 
experienced within a distance which does not usually exceed a dozen 
miles from this coast. The rate of the streams varies according to 
the place, but their rotation is nearly always effected in the direction 


28 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


of the hands of a watch. .Vs a general rule, the ebb stream runs in a 
direction between southwest and northwest, while the flood stream 
sets between northeast and southeast, except in estuaries, in certain 
bays, or near some points, where, owing to local conditions, the 
streams set in the opposite direction. 

The flood stream, which begins quickly, attains its greatest rate 
before half tide, and this great rate is everywhere less than the great¬ 
est rate of the ebb. 


At the mouths of rivers the flood stream enters at the bottom long 
before the ebb stream has ceased at the surface. 

The turn of the stream becomes later as the distance offshore in¬ 
creases. It often takes place 1 h. 30 m. after low water. Near the 
land this retardation scarcely exceeds three-quarters of an hour, even 
in the places where the stream is strongest. 

Soundings—French tidal datum. —The soundings on French 
charts of the coast of France are reduced to the level of the lowest 
tide observed—that is, lower even than mean equinoctial springs. 

The Hydrographic Office and British Admiralty charts of the coast 
of France are founded on the French, and the same datum, termed by 
the French the zero of soundings, is adopted for them. The tidal rise 
is given from that datum; the spring rise is therefore greater than the 
spring range and not the same as it is in admiralty charts of other 
coasts generally. It follows that the depths at low-water ordinary 
springs are always greater than those shown on the charts. 

The French tides are calculated from a quantity called l’Unite de 
Hauteur, which is the half range of the tide at mean equinoctial 
springs. No allusion to this, however, is made on the charts. 

Lights. —On the coast of France fixed lights, which are described 
in the Light List as being visible through a limited arc, may be seen 
55° to 60° on each side of the center of such arc, when not otherwise 
obscured, or unless the sector is clearly limited by special arrange¬ 
ments of reflectors or screens. Other things being equal the greatest 
power of these lights is in the axis of the sector, and it ,is greater 
the smaller the sector. 


At the entrances of French ports and channels beaconed by lights 
the colors are chosen, as far as possible, so that a vessel entering leaves 
the green lights on the starboard and red lights on the port hand. 
Sometimes one of these colors is replaced by white, which has a 
greater range. 

White lights in some conditions of the atmosphere have a reddish 
tinge; under similar circumstances red and green lights undergo 
certain variations and cease even to be characteristic near their 
extreme ranges. 

Two contiguous sectors of the same light are never separated by an 
absolutely definite line, but between them there is an angle of inde- 


PILOTAGE. 


29 


cision. Vessels should not navigate in this angle, but should enter 
the sector clear of danger and verify the position by a bearing of the 
light. 

Light vessels on the coast of France, if out of position, discon¬ 
tinue their characteristic lights and hoist the international “Not 
under control signal" both day and night. Light vessels having no 
characteristic fog signal sound a bell in thick weather, in the same 
manner as a vessel at anchor. French light vessels do not carry rid¬ 
ing lights; they can communicate by the international code of signals. 

Pilotage. —On the coasts of France payment of pilotage is com¬ 
pulsory for all Government and merchant vessels (both French and 
foreign), with the exceptions mentioned below, on entering and 
leaving ports, ascending or descending rivers, or shifting berth where 
the distance to be moved is 200 yards or more. 

Sailing vessels of less than 80 tons and steamers of less than 100 
tons are generally exempt from pilotage dues when pilots are not 
taken, and the same privilege is enjoyed in some harbors and rivers 
by vessels of less than 74 feet draft of water. 

Pilotage dues are usually calculated according to the tonnage of 
the ship, the draft of water, or the displacement, but in many cases 
according to the distance the ship is taken by the pilot. These dues 
are laid down f.or each pilot station and fixed for laden sailing vessels 
of French nationality, vessels being considered laden which have over 
one-sixth of their full cargo on board. Vessels in ballast pay only 
half the rate for laden vessels. Steamers, as a rule, pay half the dues 
fixed for a laden sailing vessel of the same tonnage. Foreign vessels 
not assimilated—that is, those belonging to nations which have not 
reciprocal commercial or navigation treaties with France—pay one- 
third or one-half more dues than those fixed for French vessels pf the 
same description and tonnage. 

Vessels towed are equally liable to pilotage charges, but generally 
a vessel towed by a steamer pays only half pilotage. 

Government vessels, both French and foreign, as \Vell as yachts, 
pay, as a rule, half the dues fixed for laden vessels of the same ton¬ 
nage. At many stations there are special dues for these vessels. 

Vessels fitted out for coast fishing are exempt from pilotage. 

The master of a vessel liable to pilotage should on approaching a 
port, road, or river hoist the pilot signal, keeping it flying until the 
arrival of a pilot having the right to pilot him, or until the vessel is 
dear of dangers. The first duly licensed pilot offering himself has 
to be received, and if, for any reason, a second pilot should be re¬ 
ceived and employed both have to be paid. Should a local fisherman 
or boatman be taken in the absence of a pilot, the pilot signal should 
be kept hoisted, and on a licensed pilot presenting himself lie must 


30 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


be given pilotage charge. Every facility must be given to pilots in 
boarding vessels. 

The stations in which pilots have the right of pilotage are gen¬ 
erally of small extent. When they pilot a vessel outside these limits 
the pilot signal should be hoisted for the pilot of the station the 
vessel enters, and the pilot on board must give up charge on the proper 
pilot presenting himself. 

A pilot should not board a vessel with infectious disease on board, 
but he should conduct such vessel to the quarantine anchorage, giving 
the master the necessary directions from his boat. 

Pilot signals. —French pilot boats have an anchor, painted in 
black or white, on each sail and on each side of the sail, with also 
the initial of the name of the station and the registered number of 
the boat. Generally the hull is painted black, with a white band 
below the gunwale. 

During the day and as long as there is a pilot on board, a blue flag, 
bordered with white, is hoisted at the mainmast head. 

A vessel requiring a pilot should, by day, hoist one of the follow- 
, ing signals: 

1. A blue flag, with a white border (letter S. International Code), 
below the code pennant, or the vessel’s national flag bordered with 
white. 

2. The Internation Code signal P. T. (require a pilot). 

3. The distance signal consisting of two balls, or two objects re¬ 
sembling two balls, over a cone point upward. 

At night, both at seat or at harbor, she should show a white light 
above the bulwarks, and hide it several times at intervals of 15 sec¬ 
onds. This signal should be accompanied, if necessary, by blue lights 
at intervals of about 15 minutes. 

A pilot boat proceeding to a vessel in answer to the signal shows 
and hides several times at intervals of 15 seconds the white light 
which is shown every 15 minutes to indicate the presence of the 
pilot, as above described. 

When pilots are unable from bad weather to go to sea, vessels may 
be guided by special signals. (See under Fenoux mast.) 

Spanish.— -Pilotage is generally compulsory for merchant vessels 
over 50 tons in Spanish ports. Foreign vessels' of war are exempt 
from taking a pilot in Spanish ports, and they are not required to 
pay pilotage dues unless a pilot is employed. If possible, they will 
be directed by signal where to anchor, but if this can not be done 
they will have to shift to the position required. 

In any navigable river in which pilotage is compulsory for mer¬ 
chant vessels it shall also be so for vessels of war. 


PILOT VESSELS. 


31 


The pilots cruise off the ports in boats or will come off on the pilot 
signal being made. At Bilbao steam pilot vessels are usually em¬ 
ployed. 

Pilot vessels—Lights. — r ihe following regulations with regard 
to pilot vessels have been adopted by the French and Spanish Gov¬ 
ernments : 

Pilot vessels, when engaged on their station on pilotage duty, 
shall not show the lights required for other vessels, but shall carry a 
white light at the masthead, visible all round the horizon, and shall 
also exhibit a flare-up light or flare-up lights at short intervals, which 
shall never exceed 15 minutes. 

On the near approach of or to other vessels they shall have their 
side lights lighted, ready for use, and shall flash or show them at 
short intervals, to indicate the direction in which they are heading; 
but the green light shall not be shown on the port side, nor the red 
light on the starboard side. 

A pilot vessel of such a class as to be obliged to go alongside a 
vessel to put a pilot on board, may show the white light instead of 
carrying it at the masthead, and may, instead of the colored lights 
above mentioned, have at hand, ready for use, a lantern with a green 
glass on the one side and a red glass on the other, to be used as 
prescribed above. 

A steam pilot vessel, exclusively employed for the service of pilots 
licensed or certified by any pilotage authority, or the committee of 
any pilotage district, when engaged on her station on pilotage duty, 
and not at anchor, shall, in addition to the lights required for all pilot 
boats, carry, at a distance of 8 feet below her white masthead light, a 
red light, visible all round the horizon, and of such a character as to 
be visible on a dark night, with a clear atmosphere, from a distance 
of at least 2 miles, and also the colored side lights required to be 
carried by vessels when underway. 

When engaged on her station on pilotage duty and at anchor she 
shall carry, in addition to the lights required for all pilot boats, the 
red light above mentioned, but not the colored side lights. 

Pilot vessels, when not engaged on their station on pilotage duty, 
shall carry lights similar to other vessels of their tonnage. 

Steering commands. —The system of steering commands in 
which the terms starboard and port signify that the vessel’s head is to 
go to starboard and port, and not the helm, is in force in France and 
Spain. 

French uniform system of buoyage.— The following system of 
buoyage is established on the French coast. It comprises all marks 
fixed or floating which serve to indicate by day either existing dan¬ 
gers or the limits of navigable channels, namely: Buoys, beacons, 


32 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


beacon towers or turrets, jetty heads, rocks, and convenient natural 
objects. It does not include ordinary land marks, mooring buoys, etc. 

All marks—that is, buoys and beacons—employed in the buoyage 
are characterized by their color and the shape of their top marks. 
But the top marks may be wanting in certain cases, such as on light 
buoys, whistling buoys, etc. 

The term “starboard” means the right-hand side approaching 
from seaward; the term “ port ” means the left-hand side. The term 
“ separation ” marks is given to the marks placed at the seaward 
extremity of middle grounds, and the term “ junction ” marks is 
given to the marks placed at the inshore extremity of middle grounds. 
Marks placed on middle grounds of small extent are named “ isolated 
danger ” marks. 

1. Starboard marks are painted red and surmounted by a triangle. 
If necessary, they are numbered with even numbers, commencing 
from seaward. 

2. Port marks are painted black and surmounted by a cylinder. 
If necessary, they are numbered with odd numbers, commencing from 
seaward. 

3. Separation marks are painted white and black in horizontal 
bands and surmounted by a diamond top mark. 

4. Junction marks are painted red and white in horizontal bands 
and surmounted by a top mark formed of two cones, points together. 

5. Isolated danger marks are painted red and black in horizontal 
bands and surmounted bv a ball. 

6. Wreck marks, either buoys or vessels, are painted green. Lights 
are used according to circumstances. Wreck buoys carry a top mark 
according to their position, as described in articles 1 to 5, above. 

7. Names or numbers on marks are painted white. 

8. Warping buoys in French ports, which are not part of the buoy¬ 
age system, are painted white. 

Spanish uniform system of buoyage. —The system of buoyage 
of the Spanish coasts comprises all the marks fixed and floating, 
especially buoys and beacons of all kinds, which serve, by day, to in¬ 
dicate existing dangers or the limits of channels practicable for 
navigation. 

All marks employed in the buoyage are characterized and distin¬ 
guished by their color and the shape of their top marks in accord¬ 
ance with the decision reached at the International Maritime Con¬ 
gress at Petrograd, 1912. In the case of some sound and light buoys 
the top marks may be wanting, in which case they are distinguished 
by their color alone. 

The term starboard means the right-hand side approaching from 
seaward; the term port means the left-hand side. In channels which 
are open to the sea at both ends, the more westerly end is considered 


BUOYAGE. 


33 


to be the seaward entrance for this purpose. Dangers advanced from 
the coast which must be left on the land side are indicated by star¬ 
board marks. 

The marks situated at the seaward extremity of banks separated 
from the shore (middle grounds) are called separation marks, and 
those placed at the opposite (inshore) extremity of those banks are 
called junction marks. 

Marks placed on banks and rocks of small extent, separated from 
the shore, and round which vessels can navigate, are called isolated 
danger marks. 

1. Starboard marks are painted black and are surmounted by a 
triangle of the same color. When forming one of a series they are 
numbered with even numbers, in white, commencing from seaward. 

2. Port marks are painted red and have a cylindrical top mark 
of the same color. When forming one of a series they are numbered 
with odd numbers, in white, commencing from seaward. 

When there is more than one entrance channel or if the channel 
is named, the buoys will carry the name or letter of same, or at least 
the seaward or entrance buoy shall be so marked. 

3. Separation marks are painted in black and white horizontal 
stripes and are surmounted by a black diamond. 

4. Junction marks are painted white and red in horizontal stripes 
and have a red top mark consisting of two cones, points together. 

5. Isolated danger marks are painted with red and black hori¬ 
zontal stripes. The top mark is a sphere painted black. 

G. Wreck marks and those indicating the position of submarine 
cables have no top mark, and are painted green, with the words 
“Naufragio” or “ Telegrafo ” in white, respectively. 

In case the aid marking a wreck or obstruction is lighted, the color 
of the light will be white. 

7. Starboard light and sound buoys have no top marks. Those on 
the port hand have a small cylindrical basket on the top. 

8. Mooring'buovs, which may form part of the system of buoyage, 
are painted according to their respective positions, in accordance with 
the above rules. Other mooring buoys are painted white. 

The names of the dangers, which may be inscribed on the marks 
which indicate them, are painted in white, either in full or abbre¬ 
viated. 

[Note. —As this change in system is gradual and has not been 
made in all harbors, the sailing directions should always be consulted 
for such information. Notices to mariners will be published as the 
changes are made.] 

Port regulations—French. —All French ports of importance 
are subject to port regulations, which are strictly enforced and to 


34 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


which ready attention and obedience should be shown. In some cases 
anchorage is forbidden within certain areas, and notices are pub¬ 
lished to that effect. Mariners visiting French ports should ascertain 
beforehand what late notices to mariners have been issued regarding 
prohibited anchorages and should also make themselves generally 
acquainted with the French system of signals, beaconage, buoyage, etc. 

Admission of foreign war vessels to French territorial 
waters and ports in time of peace. —1. The term u war vessel ” 
is herein considered to apply to all vessels designated as such in the 
accepted meaning of this term, as well as to auxiliary vessels of every 
description. 

2. For the purposes of the present regulations—- 

(a) The French littoral is divided into sections, the limits of 
which are as follows: 

Channel section, from the Belgian Frontier to Primel Point. 

Atlantic section, from Primel Point to the Spanish Frontier. 

Mediterranean section, from the Spanish Frontier to the Italian 
Frontier (including Corsica). 

(b) Tunisia, Algeria, and the Moroccan protectorate form a single 
section. 

3. In peace time foreign war vessels are permanently authorized 
to visit French ports and those of protectorates, and to anchor in 
territorial waters on condition that the number of such vessels flying 
the same flag does not exceed three per section. 

In considering the number of vessels which can be admitted into a 

section at the same time, vessels alreadv in that section will be taken 

/ »/ 

into account. 

The notification of a projected visit should, however, always be 
transmitted through the usual diplomatic channel so as to arrive, if 
circumstances permit, at least 7 days before the date of the projected 
visit. 

Foreign war vessels may not stay more than 15 days in ports and 
territorial waters. They will be required to put to sea* in 6 hours if 
requested to do so by the naval authorities or by the “ commandant 
d’armes,” even if the prescribed term of stay lias not expired. 

4. A special authorization from the Government of the Republic, 
obtained through the usual diplomatic channel, is necessary both in 
order to prolong the duration of the visit and to exceed the number 
of vessels admitted specified in article 3. 

5. The regulations given in articles 3 and 4 do not apply— 

(a) To ships of war and vessels on board of which are embarked 
heads of States, members of reigning dynasties, or their suites, or 
diplomatic representatives accredited to the government of the 
republic. 

(b) To war vessels compelled to put into port by reason of damage 
sustained, bad weather, or other unforeseen causes. 


REGULATIONS FOR NAVAL VESSELS. 


35 


(<?) To vessels engaged in the superintendence of fisheries, in ac¬ 
cordance with the conventions relating to these fisheries. 

6. In ports which are chief naval ports of arrondissements or the 
headquarters of a senior naval officer, the right of assigning anchor¬ 
age berths to foreign war vessels or of directing them to shift berth, 
if necessary, is vested solel} 7 in the prefet maritime or senior naval 
officer (commandant de la marine). 

At all other ports this right is vested in the captain of the port. 

7. Upon entering a port, foreign war vessels will be boarded by a 
naval officer, sent by the prefet maritime, or senior naval officer, or 
by a port official sent by the captain of the port, who will offer the 
commanding officer the courtesy of the port. 

The officer will acquaint the commanding officer with the anchoring 
berth that has been allotted to his ship, and will obtain information 
as to the object and proposed duration of the visit, the name of the 
commanding officer, and the information it is usual to obtain upon 
such occasions. 

Should the officer sent to welcome the foreign war vessel arrive on 
board after she has already anchored or made fast, the prescribed 
communication and inquiry will nevertheless be made and the confir¬ 
mation of the anchoring berth taken or the assignation of another 
will also be carried out. 

At anchorages where there is no captain of the port, if no French 
war vessels is present, the foreign war vessel will be boarded by a 
customs official. 

8. Foreign war vessels calling at a port or in territorial waters are 
required to respect the fiscal laws and the laws and regulations re¬ 
garding sanitation. 

They are also required to adhere to all port regulations to which 
vessels of the French Navy are subject. 

With this object, the local naval authority will furnish the com¬ 
manding officer with all necessary information concerning the port 
regulations. 

Foreign war vessels within territorial waters are forbidden to take 

cT> 

bearings of the land or soundings, or to carry out, without permis¬ 
sion, landing or firing exercises. 

No submarine work, executed with or without divers, is to be un¬ 
dertaken without previous notice to the naval authorities. 

Men belonging to ships’ companies and troops must be unarmed 
when landed. Officers arid petty officers or noncommissioned officers 
may carry the side arms which form part of their uniform. 

The number of liberty men to be landed, the time of landing, and. 
return on board will be fixed by arrangement with the local civil 
authorities and the commandant d’armes. 

Boats moving in ports and territorial waters may not be armed. 


36 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


The death sentence may not be carried out by any foreign war ves¬ 
sel in territorial waters. 

If a funeral is to take place on shore and the commanding officer 
desires an armed party to accompany the procession, he must obtain 
the permission of the commandant d’armes. 

9. The regulations for the admission of belligerent foreign war 
vessels are set forth in the decree of October 18, 1912, but remain 
subject to the formalities of notification or previous authorization 
specified in articles 3 and 4 of the present decree, except in cases of 
force majeure provided for in paragraph (b) of article 5. 

10. Should a foreign war vessel fail to comply with the regulations 
set forth in this decree, the local naval or militarv authority will first 
call the attention of her commanding officer to the infringement com¬ 
mitted and formally request him to observe the regulations. 

Should this course fail, the qualified authority, prefet maritime, 
senior naval officer, or commandant d’armes, may request the foreign 
war vessel to leave the port or territorial waters immediately. 

Regulations for approaching French territorial waters in 
time of war.— 1 . In time of war, the visits of ships, other than 
French war vessels, to anchorages and ports on the French littoral or 
in French protectorates are governed by the regulations given below. 

2. No French merchant vessel nor foreign vessel, either war or 
merchant, may approach within 3 miles of the coast in French terri¬ 
torial waters or of French protectorates without permission without 
running the risk of being destroyed. 

3. Between sunrise and sunset every vessel atfected b}^ the present 
decree is to fly her national flag and number by international code 
(if she has one) as soon as she approaches the forbidden zone. If 
desirous of entering the latter, a request is made by hoisting the pilot 
signal, the ship remaining outside the zone until authorized to enter 
by semaphore, the signal station, or examination vessel. 

The reply from a semaphore or signal station is made in the inter¬ 
national code by the following signs: 

S. flag: Entry permitted. 

D. pennant: Entry deferred. 

Q. flag: Entry forbidden. 

If permission to enter is given, a ship is to steam at reduced speed 
in the forbidden zone, keeping the signal for a pilot flying. 

If entry is deferred, a ship is to maneuver so as to clear the en¬ 
trance to the channels and await the examination vessel, steaming 
toward, the latter at reduced speed when seen. 

If entry is forbidden, a ship is to abandon the idea of entering and 
make for another anchorage. 

The examination vessel is distinguished by 3 balls on the same 
halyard. 


37 


WAR REGULATIONS. 

4. Between sunset and sunrise every vessel affected by the present 
decree is to fly her national flag and have navigation lights lit on 
approaching the forbidden zone. If desirous of entering the latter, 
a request is made by burning one or more Bengal lights and blowing 
blasts on the whistle or siren, the ship remaining outside the zone 
until permission to enter has been granted by an examination vessel. 

The ship, with her navigation lights showing, will await the ex¬ 
amination A^essel and continue to burn Bengal lights to attract atten¬ 
tion, and if not warned, on sighting the examination vessel, may 
steam toward her at reduced speed. 

The examination vessel is distinguished by 3 red lights super¬ 
imposed. 

A red Coston light exhibited from a station on shore signifies that 
entry is forbidden; a ship must then give up the idea of entering 
and make for another anchorage. 

Between sunset and sunrise every vessel affected by the present 
decree is in principle forbidden to request entry into the zones off the 
naval bases of operations—Cherbourg, Brest, Toulon, Bizerta—the 
only cases in which captains can request permission to enter are the 
following: 

Vessels authorized to do so by the governor, either on their de¬ 
parture or while en route. 

Vessels in danger and absolutely incapable of remaining at sea 
until daybreak or of reaching another anchorage. 

5. In foggy weather every vessel affected by the present decree 
desirous of entering the forbidden zone is to hoist the same signals 
as in clear weather and blow blasts on the whistle or siren until 
permission to enter has been given by an examination vessel. 

Entry into the naval bases of operations—Cherbourg, Brest, Tou¬ 
lon, Bizerta—is forbidden in foggy weather, under the conditions 
specified in article 4. 

6. Every vessel affected by the present decree must immediately 
comply with the orders of a war vessel or examination vessel, sema¬ 
phore or signal station, given by voice, international signal code, or 
by warning gun. 

Every ship warned by a battery or war vessel, whatever her dis¬ 
tance from shore may be, is to stop immediately. When stopped, a 
ship may renew her request to enter, but must wait where she is for 
orders, which will be signaled to her. 

If in spite of the warning given by the firing of a blank charge, a 
ship does not stop at once, a premonitory shot will be fired 2 minutes 
later, and if after the expiration of a further 2 minutes’ interval 
the vessel is still underway, effective fire will be opened upon her. 

In cases of emergency the blank charge may be omitted. 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


O Q 

OO 

At night the warning gun may also be omitted, and every ship enter¬ 
ing the forbidden zone without permission is liable to be destined 
without preliminary warning. 

7. Vessels authorized to enter the roadsteads and ports of France 
and her protectorates are to take up the berths indicated by the local 
authority and conform strictly to the regulations of every, nature 
issued by that authority. 

The length of stay of a ship will depend on military considerations, 
and when circumstances require it a ship may be ordered to put to sea 
or to move to a determined point; such order must be carried out with¬ 
out delay, though respite may be allowed to ships really unable to con¬ 
form to it immediately. 

No vessel is to get under way, either to change berth or to quit the 
roads without the permission of the local authority; a request may 
be made by signal, S. flag. 

8. In naval roads and ports, between sunset and sunrise, the move¬ 
ment of boats, other than those of war vessels, is absolutely forbidden. 

From sunrise to sunset movement is only allowed to boats which 
have received a special permit from the naval authorities and the 
means of making themselves recognizable. 

Boats with permits should steer clear of war vessels if ordered to 
do so, and can not in any case go alongside the latter without their 
permission. The movement of these boats will moreover remain 
subject to local regulations, notably those relative to the prohibition 
to enter certain parts of the roadstead, and to go alongside at any 
other place than those expressly notified. 

In commercial ports similar measures will be taken by the local 
authority to impose the restrictions judged necessary on the move¬ 
ment of boats, due consideration being given to the interests of 
commerce. 

9. Visits by neutral war vessels are governed by the regulations 
in time of peace, so far as notification or previous authorization is 
concerned, the regulations for entry being governed by the present 
decree. 

10. The measures provided for by the present decree are to come 
into force on mobilization or on special notice. 

11. Any infraction of the present decree will lead to such re¬ 
pressive measures as circumstances admit of, in addition to the risks 
of destruction incurred. 

12. Regulations contrary to the present decree are canceled. • 

13. The Minister of Marine is charged with the execution of the 
present decree. 

Regulations for temporarily closing access to French ports 
on account of naval maneuvers, exercises, etc.—Access to 
French ports may be prohibited, or subjected to certain regulations, 


SIGNALS PROHIBITING ENTRY. 


39 


on account of naval maneuvers, exercises or any other cause. In 
# * «/ 

these circumstances— 

1. A warning signal will be made from a conspicuous point, thus: 

By day, 3 balls placed vertically; at night 3 red lights placed 

vertically. 

*/ 

2. The same signal Avill be exhibited by the watch vessels. 

3. Any vessel wishing to enter or to leave French waters when 
one of these signals is flying should, by day, hoist the pilot signal and 
iiwait the arrival of a watch vessel, and at night burn one or more 
Bengal lights as well as give blasts of the siren or whistle and await 
the arrival of a watch vessel. 

4. On a hail or a warning gun being fired from the watch vessel 
every vessel should immediately stop or heave to. 

5. \ essels have then to submit to a visit, and the watch vessel will 
give the following information : 

(a) If a special visiting service is established and where it is 
situated. 

(b) If the entrance to the port is closed, and for how long. 

( c ) If there are special instructions for navigation in a certain 


area. 

6. For vessels leaving the port the necessary instructions will be 
given, or they will be visited by the maritime authorities. 

7. Captains who infringe the above instructions will do so at their 
risk and peril and will have to repair any damages they may have 
caused. 

Signals prohibiting entry—Intended system.—A uniform 
system of signals has been established to indicate when vessels are 
prohibited from entering or leaving French ports. The system com¬ 
prises only three signals, viz, “ Entry to the port is prohibited,” 
u Leaving the port is prohibited,” and “It is prohibited either to 
enter or leave the port.” 

Supplementary signals, applicable to the special circumstances of 
each port, will continue to be made. 

The three signals above mentioned will be made, according to the 
•installation provided at the port, by means of one or other of the two 
series of signals shown in the following table: 


SERIES A. 


Day. 

Night. 

Entrance prohibited. 

Vesselsprohibited from leav¬ 
ing the port. 

Vessels prohibited irom 
either entering or leaving 
the port. 

Horizontal arm with a disk at the end gen¬ 
erally pointing toward the fairway. 

Three hexagonal shapes or disks placed 
vertically. 

Horizontal arm with a disk at the end gen¬ 
erally pointing toward the fairway and- 
two hexagonal shapes or uisks placed 
vertically. 

Three red lights, vertical. 

Three green lights, vertical. 

Three lights placed vertically, 
a green between two red. 


21235 °— 17- 1 - 4 



















40 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


SERIES B. 


Entrn.npfi prnhihited 

A red flag. . 

A red light. 

Vessels prohibited from leav- 

A green flag. 

A green light. 

ing the port. 

Vessels prohibited from 

A red flag above a green flag. 

A red light above a green 

either entering or leaving 

light. 

the port. 




Signals to be made by vessels inconvenienced by the search¬ 
lights of defended ports or of French ships of war.—Every 
vessel seriously inconvenienced by searchlights which are being exer¬ 
cised at defended ports or by French ships of war should make use 
either separately, or as far as possible at the same time, of the fol¬ 
lowing signals: 

(a) By flashing lamp, 4 short flashes followed by 1 long flash. 

(b) By whistle, siren, or foghorn, 4 short blasts followed by 1 
long blast. 

These signals should not be used without real necessity, and only 
when the vessel finds herself actually in the rays of a searchlight, 
when only can it be seen which searchlight is inconveniencing her, 
and which will then be doused or its direction altered. 

The signals should be repeated until the searchlight has been 
doused or its direction altered. 

Vessels failing to use these signals will be held responsible for acci¬ 
dents that may occur. 

REGULATIONS AND SIGNALS RELATIVE TO FRENCH 

SUBMARINES. 

I. GENERAL REGULATIONS. 

1. When meeting other vessels, and except in the case hereinafter 
mentioned (when flying the submerged flag), submarines navigating 
on the surface must conform with the usual rules of the road. When, 
on the contrary, submarines are navigating submerged, all other 
vessels should give them a wide berth. 

2. The presence of submarines submerged is indicated by a square . 
flag with one yellow and one red horizontal stripe, hoisted at any 
signal station, lighthouse, fort, etc., in sight of which the submarines 
are maneuvering, or by a vessesl. torpedo boat, or tug accompanying 
them. 

3. When a vesssel is navigating in a neighborhood where subma¬ 
rines are signaled submerged the master must station special lookouts 
to watch the surface of the sea and report all floating objects. The 
periscopes (optical tubes of submarines) are distinguished from other 
objects usually met with in that they appear like a round post standing 
vertically out of the water. 












REGULATIONS RELATIVE TO SUBMARINES. 


41 


4. Although submerged submarines may be met in all French 
waters, masters of vessels should be particularly on the lookout for 
them in the neighborhood of Brest and La Pallice (in this volume), 
where submarine flotillas are stationed. 

5. In order to give every convenience to vessels making or leaving 
the ports frequented by submarines, zones have been fixed which are 
prohibited to submerged submarines. Masters frequenting these 
ports are earnestly requested to navigate in these zones. 1 2 3 4 

II. REGULATIONS AND SIGNALS RELATIVE TO SUBMERGED SUBMARINES. 

1. The signal stations hoist the flag (one red and one yellow hori¬ 
zontal stripe) to warn vessels near the coast that submarines are sub¬ 
merged in the neighborhood. 

2. Every vessel convoying a submerged submarine carries as dis¬ 
tinctive signal the aforesaid flag forward and a white ball aft in 
place of the national ensign. Every vessel observing these signals 
should steer to pass at least 4 mile astern of the convoying vessel. 

3. During submerged maneuvers the submarines carry forward 
the red and yellow flag, and aft the national ensign. Every vessel 
observing these signals should give a wide berth to the submarine, 
which, even should she be momentarily on the surface, is to be con¬ 
sidered as exempt from the rules of the road. 

III. REGULATIONS RELATIVE TO FIRING TORPEDOES FROM SUBMERGED 

SUBMARINES. 

1. The target vessels, or vessels towing a target for submerged 
submarine-torpedo practice, carry during the firing exercises, besides 
the ordinary' large red firing flag, a large flag (one red and one yellow 
horizontal stripe) hoisted in a clearly visible position. 

2. Vessels should give the route of the target a wide berth, passing 
at least 4 mile from it. 

3. When the target or towing vessel sees a vessel standing on a 
course dangerous to the submarine, it may hoist international code 
M.N. (stop immediately), and fire a gun if necessary. 

The vessel signaled should immediately obey this signal. 

The signal M.H. will intimate that she can continue her course. 

The vessels convoying submarines may also, in case of emergency, 
make use of these signals. 

4. When possible the target vessel is accompanied by a swift dis¬ 
patch boat, ready to convoy to vessels in sight any order by voice 
or by aid of a blackboard. 


1 These zones are fully described in the appropriate pages of this volume. 





42 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


IV. REGULATIONS AND SIGNALS RELATIVE TO THE PROTECTION OF SUB¬ 
MARINES AT MOORINGS. 

1. All vessels and boats are forbidden to go alongside submarines 
anchored or moored in ports or roadsteads without a special permit. 

2. By night, the submarines anchored or moored in ports or road¬ 
steads carry, in addition to the ordinary anchor lights, three lights, 
vertical (two red above one white), and distant 6 feet apart. 

Fenoux mast.—The Fenoux pilot mast is intended to facilitate 
the entry of vessels into French ports when bad weather prevents 
pilots going on board. It consists of a mast, at the head of which is 
an arm, movable on its center, one side of which is a triangle and the 
other an arrow; at rest the arm is vertical, with the triangle down. 

A ship from seaward, requiring the aid of the pilot mast, hoists her 
national flag at one of her mastheads, and the pilot answers by placing 
the arm vertical, with the triangle up; then lie points the triangle 
horizontally toward the direction to which the vessel should steer to 
the entrance of the port. 

The triangle is then inclined at an angle of 45° above the horizontal 
toward the right or left, according as the pilot wishes the vessel to 
steer to starboard or port, and is placed vertically upward while she 
is going well, when that direction should be maintained until a new 
movement of the triangle indicates a change of course. 

When leaving the harbor the vessel should steer to the side toward 
which the triangle is inclined. 

When the pilot sees that the vessel has cleared the dangers and has 
no further need of his aid he places the arm at rest. 

If several vessels present themselves to enter the port, the pilot 
directs the one which is in position to enter first, then each of the 
others always in the same order; but if circumstances do not permit 
waiting to enter separately, they steer in the wake of the vessel di¬ 
rected by the pilot mast, keeping near enough to each other to follow 
exactly the movements of the first. 

If the pilot considers that the vessel in sight is not able to enter on 
account of the state of the tide he places the arm horizontal and hoists 
a ball at the end of the arrow (which also signifies “ Keep farther 
oft ”). The vessel then waits till the arm is inclined right or left, 
indicating the direction for her to proceed. 

If the pilot estimates that a vessel which asks to enter is not able 
to do so without danger, he warns her of it by placing the arm ver¬ 
tical with the arrow upward, and by hoisting a ball at the end of the 
arrow; this signal also signifies that the vessel should put to sea. 
But if on account of damage the vessel must attempt to enter even 
at the risk of being wrecked, she should make one of the usual signals 
of distress. 


FENOUX MAST. 


43 


The pilot then directs the vessel by the signals indicated above 
either to cross the bar or to anchor in the road. If he considers it 
necessary to run the vessel ashore, he warns the vessel by hoisting a 
red flag at the head of the pilot mast and directs her to the least 
dangerous place; but if any circumstance happens which gives the 
pilot hope of saving the vessel, he lowers the red flag and directs the 
vessel as he considers necessarv. 

A vessel in danger of being wrecked from her anchors dragging, 
if unable to enter the port or put to sea, should make a signal of dis¬ 
tress, which the pilot answers by placing the arm vertical with the 
triangle upward; he then directs the vessel and hoists the red flag 
if he considers it necessary to place her on shore. 

If the pilot considers that a vessel should shift her anchorage, he 
places the arm vertical with the triangle upward, and maintains this 
signal until the vessel hoists her national flag at the masthead in 
answer; the pilot then directs her movements and the vessel anchors 
when the arm is placed vertical with the triangle down. 

The places at which these pilot masts are established are mentioned 
in this book. 

French tidal signals.—Tidal signals made at the ports and 
•harbors on the coast of France only indicate the height of the tide, 
either above the level to which the soundings are reduced—that is, 
the lowest registered tide when the number of feet indicated by the 
signal, added to the soundings on the chart, give the depth at that 
t ime—or above same fixed mark, the relation of which to the lowest 
tide level has been determined. 

By day these signals are made from a mast with a yard, by means 
of a black pennant and a white flag with a black diagonal cross to 
indicate the state of the tide, and by black balls to indicate its height, 
as follows: 

1. The pennant above the flag indicates rising tide. 

2. The pennant below the flag indicates falling tide. 

No flag or pennant is shown at high or low water. 

3. A ball at the left yardarm, as seen from seaward, indicates a 
height of a quarter meter, or about 10 inches, above the soundings or 
fixed mark. 

4. A ball at the right yardarm, as seen from seaward, indicates a 
height of half a meter, or If feet, above the soundings or fixed mark. 

5. A ball at each yardarm indicates a height of three-quarters of a 
meter, or 24 feet, above the soundings or fixed mark. 

G. A ball placed on the mast below the yard indicates a height of 

1 meter, or 3| feet, above the soundings or fixed mark. 

7. A ball placed on the mast above the yard indicates a height of 

2 meters, or G^ feet, above the soundings or fixed mark. 



44 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


8. A ball placed at the intersection of the mast and yard indicates 
a height of 3 meters, or 9f feet, above the soundings or fixed mark. 

9. Heights above 3 meters, or 9J feet, are indicated by combina¬ 
tions of the above signals. 

The signals are not made in complete detail at all ports, but any 
signal has everywhere the same meaning. Every half meter or every 
meter of rise only may be signaled, or heights of 1, 2, or 3 meters, 
or one only of those three, indicated with one ball. In some ports 
flag and pendant only, without a ball, are used, and indicate the time 
during which the sea level is above some fixed mark. 

The signals do not furnish any information respecting the avail¬ 
able depths of water in the channels except to the pilots. 

By night the signals are arranged to suit the requirements of each 
particular port and are made known to mariners bv special notice. 

Tide gauges are established on the heads of piers and on some 
masonry beacons at the entrances of some ports and channels that 
require a rise of tide to be navigable. 

The zero of the tide gauges is the level of the lowest water, or, in 
some cases, a level fixed with reference to that of the lowest water. 
On a pierhead or on a masonry beacon in one color the scale is 
graduated by horizontal strokes, one-tenth of a meter high and 1 
meter apart, the bottom of which indicates the divisions. Each 
horizontal stroke is divided into two parts, one to the right and the 
other to the left of the figure indicating the height. The strokes and 
figures are painted white. 

When the tide gauge is on a masonry beacon painted in horizontal 
bands of alternate colors, each of these bands is half a meter in 
height, and the lines of separation of the bands are placed at a number 
of half meters above the zero. The figure indicating the height of 
each line is placed upon the band immediately above it, in white if 
the ground is red or black, in black if it is white. 

The scale is only marked where the maintenance of the paint is 
possible and where the gauge becomes of use. 

Semaphores.—Semaphore stations are very generally established 
on the principal points and headlands of the French coast. Tliev 

AJ 

are electrically connected with each other and with the general 
telegraphic system, and all vessels can communicate by the inter¬ 
national code either with the marine authorities or with commercial 
houses, and the messages are forwarded by telegraph. The inter¬ 
national code signals are made from a mast, with vard and miff 
situated near the semaphore building. 

Spanish.—The semaphore (signal) stations on the coast of Spain 
are not painted any particular color, but the keeper’s houses are 
painted in black and white stripes. 


W EATH ER SIG N A LS. 


45 


The stations are connected by telegraph; vessels can communicate 
by the international code, and may send or receive telegrams at fixed 
charges. 

Distress signals.—The following signals are hoisted at the 
signal mast at French semaphore' stations on its becoming known 
that a shipping disaster has occurred in the locality: 

A black flag at the masthead when the disaster has happened in 

the immediate vicinity of the station. 

*/ 

A black flag at the yardarm when it has happened to the right 
(looking seaward) of the station. 

A black flag at the gaff when it has happened to the left (looking 
seaward) of the station. 

This signal may be emphasized by guns, fired at intervals of five 
minutes. 

Weather signals—French.—The following signals are hoisted 
at French semaphore stations and port offices for half an hour in the 
morning and* evening, and indicate the weather existing at sea: 

1. A flag of any color indicates weather doubtful; barometer in¬ 
clined to fall. 

2. A burgee indicates appearance of bad weather; heavy sea; 
barometer falling. 

3. A pendant indicates appearance of better weather; barometer 
rising. 

4. A flag over a burgee indicates entry into the port is becoming 
dangerous. 

5. A burgee over a flag indicates the lifeboat is going out. 

In fine, settled weather no signal is made. 

Radio weather signals—Eiffel Tower meteorological mes¬ 
sage.—The following procedure is employed for the radio meteoro¬ 
logical message dispatched by the Eiffel Tower station: 

1. The message is transmitted every morning at 11 a. m., Green¬ 
wich mean time, immediately after the time signal. 

2. It gives the barometric pressure, the direction and force of the 
wind, and the state of the sea, as recorded at 7 a. m. on the morning 
of the same day, at Reykjavik (Iceland), Valentia (Ireland), Ushant 
(France), Coruna (Spain), and Horta (Azores), and as recorded at 
8 p. m. of the day previous at St. Pierre Miquelon (America). 

3. The stations are indicated by their initial letter, thus: R, V, O, 

C, H. S. 

4. The two first figures of each group indicate in millimeters the 
atmospheric pressure (the hundreds—(700)—being suppressed). 

5. The third and fourth groups indicate the direction of the wind, 
north being 32, east 08, south 16, west 24; thus 02 indicates NNE., 
23 indicates W. by S., etc. 


4G 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


6. The fifth figure indicates the force of the wind from 0 (calm) 
to 9 (hurricane). 

7. The sixth figure indicates the state of the sea from 0 (calm) to 
9 (tempestuous). The state of the sea is not given in the reports of 
Reykjavik and St. Pierre Miquelon, so the groups corresponding to 
these two stations consist of only five figures. 

8. At the end of the sixth group will be given in plain language 
some indication of the general European conditions prevailing, and 
more particularly the positions of high or low pressure. 

9. Each dispatch will be preceded by the letters B. C. M., showing 
that it emanates from the Bureau Centrale Meteorologique. 

10. Example: B. C. M., R48167, Y742013, 0753211. C680411, 
H739901, S62162, anticyclone Europe centrale beau temps general 
depression ouest islande allanfi vers est. 

This would indicate: R(eykjavik), 48 (pressure 748), 1G (wind 
south), 7 (very strong); V(alentia), 74 (pressure 774), 20 (wind 
southwest), 1 (nearty calm), 3 (slight sea), etc. 

Storm signals are made at the semaphore stations and port 
offices on the coasts of France, and remain hoisted for 48 hours from 
the time of receiving notice from the ministry of marine. The sig¬ 
nals are made with cones, as follows: 

A cone, point upward: Gale probable from northwestward. 

Two cones, points upward: Gale probable from northeasteward. 

A cone, point downward: Gale probable from southwestward. 

Two cones, points downward: Gale probable from southeastward. 

Two cones, bases together: Gale of hurricane force probable. 

Meaning of signal.—Any of these signals indicates that there is 
an atmospherical disturbance in existence, which will probably cause 
a gale from the quarter indicated by the signal used, within a dis¬ 
tance of about 50 miles of the place where the signal is hoisted, and 
the knowledge of which is likely to be of use to seamen. Its meaning 
is simply, “Look out. Bad weather, as indicated, is probably ap¬ 
proaching you.” 

Spanish.—Storm signals are made at Portugalete, Santander, and 
Coruna. 

Radio time signal.— : The following radio time signal is made at 
Eiffel Tower, Paris: 

At 11 h. 43 m. 00 s., G. M. T., and at 22 li. 43 m. 00 s., G. M. T. 
Signal Observatoire de Paris. 

First preparative signal: A series of dashes from 11 h. 44 m. 00 s. 
to 11 h. 44 m. 57 s., and from 22 h. 44 m. 00 s. to 22 h. 44 m. 57 s., 
G. M. T. 

First time signal: A dot at 11 h. 45 m. 00 s. and at 22 h. 45 m. 00 s., 
G. M. T. 


COMMUNICATION. 


47 


Second preparative signal: A series of dashes, followed by 2 dots, 
from 11 h. 46 m. 00 s. to 11 h. 46 m. 57 s., and from 22 h. 46 m. 00 s. 
to 22 h. 46 m. 57 s., G. M. T. 

Second time signal: A dot at 11 h. 47 m. 00 s., and 22 h. 47 m. 00 s. 

Third preparative signal: A series of dashes, followed by 4 dots, 
from 11 h. 48 m. 00 s. to 11 h. 48 in. 57 s., and from 22 h. 48 m. 00 s. 
to 22 h. 48 m. 57 s., G. M. T. 


Third time signal: A dot at 11 h. 49 m. 00 s. and at 22 h. 49 m. 00 s., 
G. M. T. 

Each time signal is about 4 second duration, the beginning of the 
signal being the time. 

Coal can be obtained without difficulty and at moderate prices at 
all the principal ports. 

Naval dockyards.—There are Government naval dockyards and 
establishments on the west coast oLFrance, at Brest, Lorient, and 
Rochefort; on the northwest coast of Spain, at Ferrol. 

Docks.—There are Government dry docks at Brest, Lorient, 
Rochefort, Ferrol, and large private dry docks at St. Nazaire, la Pal- 
lice, Bordeaux, and Bilbao. There are smaller docks and patent 
slips at some of the less important harbors. 

The dimensions of all these are given in Appendix IT. 

Communication.—The railroad systems of France and Spain 
extend to the principal ports, and most places are in connection with 
the universal telegraph system. 

The various lines of steamers bv which communication is main¬ 
tained are mentioned in the descriptions of places in this book. 

Telegraph cables are laid between Brest and North America 
and Dakar. The points at which these cables are landed are men¬ 
tioned in the book. Mariners should not anchor near the known 
position of a telegraph cable. 

Telegraph stations.—The telegraph offices at the following ports 
within the limits embraced by this work are always open: Brest, 
Bordeaux, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Ferrol, and Coruna. 

The following offices are open until midnight: Lorient, St. Na¬ 
zaire, Nantes, Rochefort, Biarritz, and Figueira (summer only). 

Money, weights, and measures—French.—The franc of 100 
centimes is of the value of $0,193. Gold coins in common use are 
20 and 10 franc pieces; silver coins are 5, 2, 1, and 4 franc, and 20 
centimes pieces; bronze coins are 10 and 5 centimes pieces. 

The metric system of weights and measures is used in France. It 
is based on the assumed length of the fourth part of a terrestrial 
meridian, the ten-millionth part of which is the unit of the measure 
of length, and named a meter. The cube of the tenth part of the 
meter is the unit of capacity, and is named a liter; and the weight of 


48 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


one-thousandths part of a liter of water at its greatest density is the 
unit of weight, and named a gramme. Meter=39.37 inches; gramme= 
15.43 grains troy; literal.76 pints. 

The multiples of these, proceeding in decimal progression, are dis¬ 
tinguished by the prefixes deca, liecto, kilo, and myria, and the divi¬ 
sions by deci, centi, and milli. 

Spanish.—The peseta of 100 centimos is of the nominal value of 
19J cents, but its actual value fluctuates. The gold coins in common 
use are 20, 10, and 5 pesetas pieces, and the silver 5, 2, and 1 peseta 
pieces; 25 and 20 centimos; bronze coins are 10, 5, 2, and 1 centimo 
pieces. 

The metric system of weights and measures is compulsory in Spain. 
One pie de Burgos (frequently used on Spanish charts) =0.2786 
meters; 1 Braza=6 pies de Burgos. 

Standard time.—In France and Spain Greenwich mean time is 
adopted as the standard at all public offices and railway stations, the 
day commencing at midnight and the hours running from 1 to 24. 

Observatories.—Paris Observatory is in longitude 0 h. 09 m. 
20.93 s. E. San Fernando Observatory is in longitude 0 h. 24 m. 
49.32 s. W. 

Fishing grounds.—Trawlers are found at times on the following 
grounds off the coasts described in this book: About 26 miles south¬ 
west by west from the southwest point of Belle He, working in a 
north and south direction; about 15 miles northward of Estaca Point, 
working in an east and west direction. 

Marks for tunny nets.—At the tunny fisheries, established off 
the coast of Spain, under Spanish jurisdiction, each tunny net, 
when submerged, will be distinguished by the following flags or 
lights: 

By day: A white flag, with a black A in its center, hoisted over the 
center of the net, and a similar flag at its outer extremity. 

By night: Two vertical red lights 5 feet apart, visible from a dis¬ 
tance of 2 miles, and hoisted on the fishery ship; also a red light, 
hoisted above a white light, at the outer extremity of the tunny net. 

The fishing season extends from February 1 to October 30. 

Refuge anchorages.—In this book particulars are given of the 
anchorages on the coasts described; those available for refuge are 
also mentioned here. 

A sailing vessel bound southward on the west coast of France, with 
strong southerly winds, should not attempt to get to windward of 
Penmarc’h Point, for there is then a heavy sea in its vicinity, and 
the set is toward the land, but should keep at sea; shelter can be 
obtained in Brest Road, or, if necessary, in Douarnenez Bay, observ¬ 
ing that with westerly and northerly winds this anchorage becomes 
unsafe. 


TCE. 


49 


Eastward of Penmarc’h Point, Benodet Bay affords fair shelter 
from all winds. With westerly and southwesterly winds vessels an¬ 
chor under Penfret or Groix Isle, at Quiberon, or in le Palais Road, 
Belle He. 

In Bourgneuf Bay shelter from northerly winds may be obtained 
off Pornic. and from southerly winds at Bois de la Chaise, but much 
sea is felt here with on-shore winds. Farther south in the Pertuis 
d’Antioche, the roads of la Pallice, Trousses, and Aix Isle offer 
excellent shelter. 

If caught by bad weather off the mouth of the Gironde and entrance 
is practicable, there is shelter off Royan from northerly winds, or 
in le Verdon Road with winds from seaward. At the head of the 
Bay of Biscay, St. Jean de Luz Bay and Port Pasajes are the only 
places available for refuge. 

Besides the outer port of Bilbao there are goon anchorages on the 
north coast of Spain at Santona, Santander, and the inlets of Vivero, 
Barquero, Ferrol, Ares, and Coruna. 

Ice in the northeast Atlantic—Phenomenal drifts.—On 
September 28, 1883, the bark Olivette , sighted a large “lump of ice” 
in latitude 35° 30' N., longitude 30° W.; and on October 15, 1883, 
the bark Elonora passed a piece of ice in latitude 37° N., longitude 
18° W. In July, 1890, the German steamship Slavonia sighted the 
“last remnants of a berg” in latitude 48° 53' N., longitude 24° 11' 
W., and these appear to have been the easternmost observed from 
1836 to 1890. On May 20, 1907, the steamship Lord Lamdovme 
sighted two small lumps of ice,” evidently the remains of icebergs,” 
in latitude 31° N., longitude 38° W., and this is the southernmost ice, 
known in the north Atlantic. In June, 1907, the bark Silver stream 
reported having passed an iceberg at 80 miles westward of the Fast- 
net. On August 27, 1912, the steamship Lux passed a large piece 
of ice, 50 feet long and 5 feet above water, in latitude 42° 20' N., 
longitude 15° 26' W. 

Caution.—In crossing the Bay of Biscay due allowance should be 
made both for the outset and indraft, but especially the latter, when 
standing southward during thick weather for a position westward of 
Cape Finisterre. 

Between the years 1897 and 1906, both inclusive, five vessels, bound 
southwestward, were wrecked in the vicinity of Cape Villano, on 
the southern side of the Bay of Biscay, and seven vessels, bound 
northeastward, on Ushant or the rocks near it, on the northern side 
of the bay. Although this is a small number out of the many vessels 
crossing the ba} r , these disasters might have been prevented with 


proper 


caution. The wrecks occurred from two causes: (1) A 


50 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


strong easterly set while crossing the bay; (2) the neglest to obtain 
frequent observations so that the set could be known and allowed for. 

With regard to (1) it is well known that when crossing any bay 
with an on-shore wind and beam swell there is always a set in, more 
or less, toward the shore, and although this in-shore set has a tend¬ 
ency to run along the shore of the bay and out otf salient points at 
each end, or perhaps only at one end, it must be borne in mind that 
the outward set, although its rate may be considerable, is a narrow 
belt crossed in a short space of time, whereas the set experienced in 
crossing the bay may have affected the vessel for many hours. 

These general facts are intensified in the Bay of Biscay, where the 
Atlantic swell constantly sets in and the prevailing wind is toward 
the shore; moreover, the offset from the bay is confined to its north¬ 
ern end, for at its southern end the current more usually sets east¬ 
ward along the north coast of Spain. A considerable easterly set 
may therefore be always expected when crossing the bay, either 
northeastward or southwestward, and the only outset is a narrow 
stream current at the northern end of the Chaussee de Sein. 

With clear weather and sky and a good horizon the effect of any 
set upon a vessel can be readily ascertained by obtaining frequent 
astronomical observations, more especially those of stars at morning 
and evening twilight, when both latitude and longitude can be found 
accurately. But in thick weather, when astronomical observations 
can not be obtained, it is folly to attempt to round either Ushant or 
Cape Finisterre at distances of less than 30 or 40 miles, for the on¬ 
shore winds bring clouds that develop into fog or thick mist when 
they reach the elevated land at each end of the bay, and then the fog 
signals are not heard against the wind. Besides, little is gained b}^ 
rounding Ushant at a distance of 10 miles instead of 40 miles. It is 
hoped that with proper consideration of the above facts shipwrecks 
at either end of the bay will cease to occur. 

The coast between Capes Ortegal and Finisterre is dangerous to 
approach at night, especially in winter or in thick and foggy weather, 
which is frequent there, for not only does a strong current at times 
set eastward toward the land, but the tidal streams often affect the 
position. In the dark, gloomy weather of winter the high land is 
often obscured, but the beaches at the foot of the hills and off-lying 
islets or rocks may sometimes then be seen. Unless absolutely cer¬ 
tain of the position, a very wide berth should be given to this coast 
at night or in thick weather. ' 

There is a most valuable bank of soundings fronting the whole 
coast, on which depths decrease so gradually as the land is ap¬ 
proached that the distance from it can be told with considerable ac¬ 
curacy by the lead. The depths on the bank, however, are such that 


STEAMER ROUTES. 


51 


unless soundings are taken continuously and a depth of at least TO 
fathoms reached at each cast, brief warning may be given. 

The 100-fathom curve passes 11 miles from Cape Ortegal and 10 
miles from Cape Finisterre. 

When approaching Cape Finisterre, especially from ports of the 
United Kingdom, every opportunity should be taken to ascertain 
the deviation of the compass, one of the unsuspected causes of vessels 
being in dangerous proximity to the land in thick weather being 
doubtless due to the disregard of these necessary observations. 

The deviation should also be ascertained on approaching the en¬ 
trance of the English Channel when homeward bound. 

For directions on approaching the English Channel, see British 
Islands Pilot, Volume T, H. O. Pub. No. 144, and North Coast of 
France Pilot, H. O. Pub. No. 132. 

English Channel to west coast of France and north coast of 
Spain.—Steamers from the English Channel to the west coast of 
France and the north coast of Spain may pass through the Chenal 
du Four and the Paz de Sein when the weather is clear and the state 
of the tide is such that the streams will not be particularly strong 
in narrow places. These channels should not be used without pilots, 
and should only be navigated by vessels drawing over 20 feet from 
three hours before to three hours after high water. If not using 
these channels, steamers pass about 10 miles outside TJshant and the 


same distance from the Chaussee de Sein. Thence the course is direct 
for the port of destination, if the weather is and has been fine for a 
short time previously, but allowance should be made if strong west- 
erlv winds have lately prevailed. 

If proceeding along the west coast of France, it is well to keep 
about 12 miles off the land, in order to be outside the limits of the 


tidal streams. 

Return route.—Steamers steer a direct course to pass about 10 
miles, or more if the weather is not fine, outside the Chaussee de Sein 
and Ushant. But if it is intended to pass through the Paz de Sein, 
Penmarc’ll Point must be made, and if the weather becomes thick, 
the route outside the Chaussee de Sein should be taken without hesi¬ 
tation. 

If there are signs of bad weather, it may be desirable to keep near 
the land in order to obtain shelter under Belle He, after having 
passed, according to the port of departure, eastward or westward of 
Roche Bonne Plateau. 

Sailing vessels bound to the English ( hannel keep sufficiently west¬ 
ward to be able easily to weather Ushant, and should not steer an 
easterly course until north of the parallel of that island. 

Wrecks._The following wrecks are reported to exist off the west 


coast of Franee: 


52 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


A wreck near Basse de Groix, in (approximately) latitude 47° 
39' N., longitude 3° 34' W. 

A wreck northward of Birvideaux, in (approximately) latitude 
47° 32' N., longitude 3° 18' W. 

The wreck of the Pontoporos , with one mast above water and the 
other awash at low water, in (approximately) latitude 47° 32' 48" N., 
lingitude 3° 15' 18" W. 

A wreck northeastward of Birvideaux, in (approximately) lati¬ 
tude 47° 30' N., longitude 3° 14' W. 

A wreck 3 miles northeastward of Point Iverdonis, in (approxi¬ 
mately) latitude 47° 20' 06" N., longitude 3° 00' 00" W. 

A wreck in (approximately) latitude 47° 03' N., longitude 2° 41' W. 

Two masts showing above water and apparently attached to a 
large steamer a little more than 2 miles 273° from Chaussee des Boefs 
Light Buoy. Approximate position of light buoy, latitude 46° 55' 
N., longitude 2° 28' W. 

A dangerous wreck 2 miles 60° from Pointe du Corbeaux, Ill 
d’Yeu, in (approximately) latitude 46° 42' 24" N., longitude 2° 14' 
18" W. 

A mast, apparently fixed to the bottom and showing 2.5 feet above 
water, 20 miles 195° from Eochebonne. 

A dangerous wreck 4 miles 180° from Baleines Lighthouse. Ap¬ 
proximate position of lighthouse, latitude 46° 14' 40" N., longitude, 
1° 33' 40" W. 

Two wrecks in Pertuis d'Antioche, in (approximately) latitude 
46° 06' 00" N., longitude l c 25' 18" W., and latitude 46° 06' 12" N., 
longitude 1° 25' 42" W. 

Another wreck in Pertuis d'Antioche, in (approximately) latitude 
46° 06' 42" N., longitude 1° 21' 30" W. 

A mast, with rigging attached, showing 13 to 16 feet at low water, 
3 miles 329° from the southern jetty at La Pallice. Approximate 
position of south jetty, latitude 46° 09' 31" N., longitude 1° 13' 
42" W. 

A mast fast at the bottom and showing 10 feet above water, 12 
miles south-southwestward of Chassiron Light. Approximate posi¬ 
tion of Chassiron Light, latitude 46° 02' 49" N., longitude 1° 24' 
37" W. 

A wreck, with two masts and house showing above water, in (ap¬ 
proximately) latitude 45° 56' 24" N., longitude 1° 29' 30" W. 

A wreck less than 2 miles northwest of Cordouan, in (approxi¬ 
mately) latitude 45° 36' 12" N., longitude 1° 12' 00" W. 

A wreck, with two masts showing above water, 0.5 mile northwest 
of the Gironde Whistle Buoy. 

* A mast of a dundee 1.5 miles southward of Buoy No. 1 off Passe 
du Matelier. 


CHAPTER IT. 


USHANT, WITH THE OFF-LYING ISLANDS AND ST. LAURENT PENIN¬ 
SULA, THE NORTHWESTERN EXTREMITY OF FRANCE, TO POINTE 
DE PENMARC’H, INCLUDING THE APPROACHES TO BREST. 

Hounding Ushant from the southward—Caution.—Steamers 
approaching the English Channel from the southward often close 
Ushant to make it and ascertain their position before proceeding up 
channel; otherwise there is no reason to near this island commen¬ 
surate with the dangers attending it. The gain in distance by steer¬ 
ing from off Cape Villano to a point 10 miles westward of Ushant, 
instead of 40 miles westward, is, if making the Start, only 5 miles, 
or if making Portland Bill, 8 miles, in a distance of 530 miles. 

Mariners approaching Ushant must guard against the danger 
of being set eastward of their reckoning, and use the greatest 
caution in passing it. The island is surrounded by dangers in all 
directions; rocks are numerous and far from the land; fogs and 
thick weather are common; the tidal streams are strong, and the 
extent of their influence seawards undetermined; no dependence can 
be placed on seeing the lights, although they are very powerful, or 
hearing of fog signals in thick weather, when the island should be 
given a wide berth, the lead kept constantly going, the speed mod¬ 
erate, and depth maintained exceeding 60 fathoms, allowing for the 
rise of the tide as mentioned on the next page. 

In fine weather Ushant should be rounded at a distance of about 
10 miles, unless bound for western French ports, when a nearer 
approach may be permitted. Sailing vessels should in all circum¬ 
stances give Ushant a wide berth. 

Approach to Ushant—Currents.—In approaching Ushant the 
effect of a possible current requires careful consideration, for, as 
the currents in this vicinity are temporary and resulting from recent, 
probably remote, gales, the direction may differ from that indicated 
by the run of the swell. Westerly gales force the water into the 
Bay of Biscay, and cause it to accumulate there till it forms a head 
of water, which then flows northward along the coast of France 

and northwestward across the entrance of the English Channel. It 

53 



54 


APPROACH TO USHANT. 


is improbable that this, the Rennell current, is experienced within 
20 miles of Ushant, as it is deflected off that island by the Chaussee 
de Sein, and the usual set near Ushant is eastward. The Rennell 
current is not often experienced, but it attains at times a rate of 1 to 
1^ knots an hour, and its possible existence should be borne in mind 
when in this vicinity. 

Tidal streams.—Four or 5 miles northwestward of Ushant the 
ffood stream sets northeastward and the ebb stream southwestward, 
with a rate of from 3 to 4 knots, at springs, the rate of both streams 
increasing rapidly as the island is approached. The northeast-going 
stream begins about three hours before high water at Brest, and the 
southwest-going stream about three hours after high water there. 

Between Ushant and the Chaussee de Sein the stream sets east¬ 
ward while the tide is rising at Brest, and westward when it is fall¬ 
ing there, so if the Chaussee de Sein is passed by a vessel bound north¬ 
ward about the time of low water at Brest (which corresponds with 
the time of low water at Ushant) the indraft or set of the flood 
stream will be very strong. 

Soundings off Ushant.—Soundings obtained in 1892 by the 
French Government show that the bottom for many miles around 
Ushant is so generally level, with numerous irregularities, as entirely 
to prevent any estimate of the distance from the land being formed 
in thick weather by the lead alone. But a ship will pass well clear of 
Ushant if she is kept in depths exceeding 60 fathoms, allowing for the 
rise of the tide, which near Ushant at springs is over 3 fathoms, 
and in thick weather the lead (and the lead only can give safety) 
should be kept constantly going. About 4 to 5 miles northwestward 
of Ushant is a remarkable depression extending 7 miles in a north¬ 
easterly and southwesterly direction, in which the depths are from 
75 to 105 fathoms. 

Caution—Fogs near Ushant.—It is not always possible to de¬ 
termine from the land the existence of fog banks in the offing, and 
when a fog signal depends on steam an hour may elapse from the 
time it is judged necessary to use the signal before it can be worked; 
also it is known that large areas of silence exist round many fog- 
signal stations, so although the lights of Ushant and the fog signals 
are of great power, no confidence can be felt in thick weather in 
seeing the lights or hearing the fog signals, and many vessels have 
been lost by trusting to them in weather which seemed to the mariner 
on board to be onlv a little thick. 

Bound southward.—It is advisable in a steamer leaving Hie 
English Channel for the southward in clear weather to sight and 
pass Ushant at a distance of about 10 miles for a departure; but in 
thick weather to keep well clear. Sailing vessels, except those for 
western French ports, should not, as a rule, pass in sight of Ushant, 


USHANT ISLAND. 


55 


but even with a fair wind they should make westing, bearing in mind 
that the prevailing winds and currents have a tendency to set toward 
Ushant, and into the Bay of Biscay when southward of it. To get 
well to the westward is therefore of the greatest importance. 

Ushant Island (lie d’Ouessant).—Ushant or lie d’Ouessant 
lies 10 miles westward of the western extremity of the coast of 
France. It is about 4J miles long east and west, about 2 miles wide, 
and its highest part, toward the northeast, is 187 feet above the sea. 
In fine weather the island is visible from a distance of 15 to 20 miles, 
the outline appearing rugged and uneven, and its coast is composed 
of precipitous rocky cliffs of granite formation, decreasing in height 
gradually toward its southwestern end, where it is but little above 
high water and bordered by rocks. It is surrounded by dangers, 
which extend upward of a mile from the north coast, nearly 0.7 mile 
from the eastern end, 4 mile from the southern coast, and 1.5 miles 
from (he southwestern end of the island, but it has 3 bays in which 
small vessels find temporary shelter. There are 3 lighthouses—one 
on the northeastern part of the island, one on La Jument off the 
southwestern point of the island, and the other on the northwestern. 
A pyramidal beacon is erected on Bunion Point, the southwestern 
extremity of the island. 

The inhabitants, about 2,500 in number, are chiefly employed in 
seafaring and as fishermen. Many of the latter are well acquainted 
with and can act as pilots for the passages in the vicinity, rendered 
dangerous by the numerous islets and rocks, covered and uncovered, 
lying between the island and the mainland, as Avell as by the great 
strength of the tidal streams. The people generally speak pure 


Breton. 

Lampaul Village is situated at the head of a bay on the south¬ 
western side, and St. Michel Village is in the middle of the island. 
Belanger Mill, northward of Lampaul, has neither roof nor sails. 
In the other parts of the island the houses are scattered, forming only 
small hamlets. Postal communication is maintained with le Conquet 
on the mainland, at which place the produce of the island, consisting 
of soda, grain, sheep, and poultry, is mainly disposed of. 

Supplies.—Wood is scarce, but water and other supplies can be 
obtained in moderate quantities. For fuel the natives find a substi¬ 
tute in dried seaweed. 

Lights—On Stiff Point, the northeastern part of Ushant, and on 
the northern side of the Bale du Stiff stands a white lighthouse, 
consisting of two round towers united, 85 feet high, from which, 
272 feet above high water, is exhibited an alternating flashing light. 
The white and red flashes are visible 23 and 19 miles, respectively. 

CreacTi Point—On Creac’h Point, the northwestern extremity of 
the island, is a circular tower, 152 feet high, painted in black and 
21235 °— 17 -- 5 



56 


creac’h point. 


white horizontal bands, from which is exhibited, 223 feet above high 
water, a flashing white electric light. The light is visible 21 miles, 
but its intensity will enable the glare to be seen considerably beyond 
that distance. It is partially obscured eastward in the direction of 
the Four Rock Light by the higher intervening point of Ushant. 

Fog signal.—On the upper gallery of Creac’h Lighthouse during 
foggy weather, a siren, worked by compressed air, is sounded. 

Submarine fog signal.—A submarine bell has been established 
about 130 yards northward from Creac’h Point Lighthouse. The 
sound may be heard several miles in favorable atmospheric condi¬ 
tions, but in others especially with westerly winds, the signal is 
heard only a short distance. 

Radio fog signal experimentally established.—A radio fog 
signal has been experimentally established at Creac’h Point Light¬ 
house. It consists of the transmission in foggy weather at regular 
intervals of radiations which will produce in the telephones the 
musical note C one octave above the middle C of the pianoforte (522 
double vibrations per second), and giving 5 repetitions of the letter 
O of the Morse alphabet during 15 seconds, followed by a pause 
of 30 seconds. The radius of the signal is about 30 miles and the 
wave length about 120 meters. 

Lights—La Jument.—From an octagonal granite tower, 152 feet 
in height above the rock La Jument otf the southwestern point of 
the island, is exhibited a group flashing red light, elevated 118 feet 
above high water and visible IT miles. 

Fog signal.—From the upper gallery of La Jumet Lighthouse, 
during thick or foggy weather a siren, worked by compressed air, 
is sounded. 1 

Life-saving.—Lifeboats are stationed at Lampaul and in the Baie 
du Stiff; there are line-throwing guns at the lighthouses on Stiff and 
Creac’h Points. 

Semaphores.—There are semaphore stations near both Stiff Point 
and Creac’h Point lighthouses. 

Loyd’s signals.—There is a Lloyd’s signal station at Creac’h 
Point. 

Radio station.—There is a radio station near Creac’h Point 
Lighthouse at Ushant. The call letters of the station are FFF. 
Messages have been exchanged at a distance of 155 miles, and further 
under favorable circumstances. 

Baie de Lampaul, on the southwestern side of the island, is about 
1.5 miles in depth and J mile in width, and is the port of Ushant. 
It is quite open to southwesterly gales, during which the anchorage 
is untenable. This bay is only used by small vessels, although the 

1 Temporarily replaced by reed horn pn account of damage to the mechanism (1917). 




BATE DE LAM PAUL. 


57 


water is deep over a sandy bottom, which shoals gradually toward 
the head of the bay, thus rendering anchors less liable to drag with 
southwesterly winds. A rock named Le Corce, the summit of which 
never covers, lies in the middle of the bay. 

Dangers, south side of entrance.—From the southern entrance 
point of the bay a bank about j mile in width and studden with 
rocks, both sunken and above water, extends about 1.5 miles in a 
westerly direction. At its southwestern extreme La Jument (Ar 
Gazek) Rock, which uncovers 19 feet at the lowest tides, marked by 
a lighthouse, lies 1.3 miles 228° from Runiou Beacon. Youc’h Rock, 
in line with Men ar Frond Beacon, leads southward of La Jument. 
Basse Bridy, lying 0.7 mile northwestward of La Jument, has \ fathom 
water over its shoalest head at low water; the outer head lies 1.7 miles 
250° from Runiou Beacon. Between La Jument and Basse Bridy 
the bottom is irregular, with rocks above and below water. Eastward 
of Basse Bridy and 1.2 miles 261° from Runiou Beacon is a sunken 
rock with a depth of 3 feet over it. The belfry of Lampaul Church, 
just open to the northward of the summit of Le Corce Rock, leans 
northward of the rock. Other rocks lie nearer the southern entrance 
point, for which see the chart. 

North side of entrance.—From the northern entrance point 
dangers extend southwestward and westward. The southwestern- 
most, named Leurvas, dries 4 feet at lowest tides and lies upward of 
4 mile 226° from the point. About 220 yards northeastward of it 
another rock dries 18 feet. At about 0.0 mile northward of Leurvas 
Rock and the same distance offshore is Basse Meur, with 3 feet over 
it, the most westerly danger off TTshant. 

A rock, with a depth of 4f fathoms on it at 1 ow water, lies on the 
northern side of the bay, with the center of Le Corce bearing 191°, 
distant about 450 yards, and f mile 50° from Le Corce is a rock 
which dries 2 feet, at the extremity of a shallow ridge projecting 
westward from Men ar Blanc Rocks. 

Tower.—Men ar Blanc Rocks consist of a reef, dry at low water, 
which extends south-southwestward from the northeast angle of the 
bay, and is marked on its southeastern side by a black beacon tower, 
with a cylindrical top mark, 14 feet above high water. 

Directions.—When bound for Lampaul Bay either from north¬ 
ward or southward, a wide berth must be given to the rocks, described 
above, extending from the entrance points. The tidal stream sets 
across the entrance of the bay toward the northwest for 9 hours of 
each tide, and when setting against a fresh breeze causes a hollow 
and dangerous sea in the vicinity of these rocks. 

Stiff Point Lighthouse, a little open northward of Le Corce Rock, 
about 54°, leads into Lampaul Bay between Basse Bridy and Leur¬ 
vas Rocks. Le Corce Rock may be passed on either side, but it is 


58 


ILE DE KELEREN, 


preferable to pass southward of it at a prudent distance and steer 
for the sandy beach at the head of the bay. If passing northward 
of Le Corce, give it a berth of 100 yards and avoid the rock J mile 
50°, before mentioned. The bay is rarely free from swell. There 
is a small harbor southward of the village, inclosed by jetties, where 
coasters and fishing boats ground. 

Salvage.—The Sociedad de Salvamentos of Coruna have a sal¬ 
vage station at Ushant. 

Anchorage.—The anchorage is near the head of the bay, south¬ 
ward of the Men ar Blanc Bocks. There are 2 mooring buoys to 
which small A-essels may secure, but it is generally better to anchor 
farther out in about 6 fathoms, sand bottom. 

Pilots.—The pilots reside at Lampaul and have small open boats; 
therefore they are unable to board vessels except in fine weather and 
at slack water (that is. from half an hour before to half an hour after 
high or low water at springs) or at neaps. If a pilot is required, it 
is important to attract attention by signal, as so many vessels not 
wanting them pass close to the island. In bad weather the lifeboat 
may bring a pilot out to a vessel, which should be in a position under 
the lee of the island at the time of slack water. Ushant pilots can 
conduct vessels to the Port de Commerce of Brest. 

The coast between Creac’h Point and lie de Iveleren consists of 
cliffs of moderate elevation. Dangers both above and below water 
extend off it for a distance of ^ mile, the outermost being Basse 
Inou, with 4} fathoms over it at lowest water, situated ^ mile north¬ 
westward of the lighthouse on Creac’h Point. 

lie and Chaussee de Keleren.—lie de Keleren, ^ mile long east 
and west and elevated, lies on the northern side of Ushant, distant 
2.5 miles from its western extremity and separated from it by a nar¬ 
row, shallow passage. The Caussee de Keleren extends 1.2 miles 
westward from the lie de Keleren, and consists of a chain of rocks, 
sunken and uncovering. Ivingy Bock, on its northern side, is al¬ 
ways uncovered. The chaussee is terminated at its western end by 
the Basse Callet, a small patch of 11 fathoms of water, but on which 
the sea sometimes breaks. Basse Callet has 21 to 38 fathoms around, 
and is situated about 1.5 miles 355° from Creac’h Point Lighthouse 
and 1.2 miles from the west end of lie de Keleren. From the center 
of the patch the western part of Bocher Callet is in line with Moulin 
Belanger, the westernmost mill on Ushant, bearing 141°. 

Stiff Point Lighthouse, open northward of He de Keleren, leads 
northward of the chauseee, on which the sea breaks violently in 
heavy weather. 

Baie de Beninou, between lie de Keleren and the northern ex¬ 
tremity of LTshant, affords shelter during southerly winds in 8 to 
12 fathoms of water, sand, rocky bottom, but it is quite exposed to 


BATE DE BENINOU. 


59 


the northward. Close off the north point of the island is Cadoran 
Islet, and a short distance outside it the rocks Roc’h Mel and Le 
Crom. 

Mooring buoy.—A mooring buoy, for the use of vessels under 240 
feet in length, is located in 9 fathoms in the bay. 

Baie du Stiff, on the eastern side of Ushant, between Stiff Point 
and the eastern extremity of the island, affords temporary anchorage 
for small vessels, and there is a mooring buoy in the bay in about 
13 fathoms, but it is open to the eastward, and there is always a heavy 
swell, even with westerly winds. 

Dangers—North side.—Rocks extend about 300 yards east-north¬ 
eastward from Stiff Point on the northern side of the bay: the outer- 
most of these is the Gouent-meur, which is always uncovered. 

Beacons.—In about the center of the bay is the Gorle-bian Rock 
which dries 12 feet, and is surmounted by a reel metallic beacon with 
conical top mark, 14 feet above high water. Westward of Gorle-bian 
Rock and near the shore is Gorle-bras Rock. 

South side.—On the southern side of the bay, close off the eastern 
extremity of Ushant, lies Ledenes Islet, with dangers extending 4 
mile east-northeastward from it. The outermost of these are the 
Basse Legounec and the Men Corn Rock. Basse Legounec, the north¬ 
ern of the two, has 1 to 2 fathoms on it at lowest water. Between 
Men Corn and Ledenes Islet is Douellan Rock, which uncovers 14 feet 
at lowest tides. 

Basse du Fromveur, with a depth of 2f fathoms over it, lies 800 
yards 150° from Men Corn; a considerable eddy is produced over it 
by the stream, which should be avoided even in fine weather. At 
about 200 yards westward of the Basse du Fromveur there is a depth 
of 4J fathoms. 

Roc’h Mel Rock, bearing 294°, open northeastward of Gouent- 
meur Rock, leads northeastward of all the dangers off the southern 
entrance point of the Baie du Stiff; and Roc’h Hir, south westward of 
lie de Bannec, open eastward of Loedoc Rock, leads eastward of the 
Basse du Fromveur. 

Baie Darland, on the southeastern side of the island, lies between 
Fries Nein, a large rock always uncovered on the west, and Youc’h 
Islet on the east; it is exposed to southerly winds and sea, and there 
are several shoals in the center and at the entrance, the outer of 
which, Basse Darland, lies about J mile offshore and has a depth of 
If fathoms over it at lowest water. Dangers extend J mile south¬ 
ward of Enes Nein Rock, the outer being a rock awash at lowest water. 

Baie de Pen ar Roc’h, between Enes Nein and Pen ar Roc’h on 
the southern side of the island is very exposed and must not he ap¬ 
proached in bad weather; the general depths are 5 to 10 fathoms, 


60 


TIDES AND TIDAL STREAMS. 


0 I 

sand. Two mooring buoys are placed about 300 yards from the shore, 
and there is a small pier, used by the steam vessel which runs regu¬ 
larly to and from Brest, Le Oonquet, and Molene for landing pas¬ 
sengers and goods. 

Dangers—Men ar Froud—Tower.—Men ar Froud Rock lies 
700 yards from the shore olf the eastern part of the bay; it dries 10 
feet, and is marked by a black beacon tower with cylindrical top mark, 
14 feet above high water. About 1,200 yards westward of Men ar 
Froud is a rock which uncovers 1 foot at lowest water; inshore, to the 
northwestward of this, there are numerous rocks. 

At the western end of the bay, Roc’li Neil, Roc’h Melen, and Men 
Cren Rocks lie on a ridge named Dibrayers, which extends south- 
south-west ward nearly 1,200 yards from Pen ar Roc’h ; Men Cren, the 
southeasternmost rock, dries 24 feet, and \ mile west-southward of 
it a small rock, named Roche Agout, dries 9 feet. 

Between the Dibrayers and La Jument Rock there are numerous 
dangers, which may be avoided by keeping Youc’h Islet in line with 
Men ar Froud Tower. 

Directions.—When entering the bay keep at a prudent distance 
from Men Cren and Roc’h Neil if coming from the southwest, and 
pass southward of Men ar Froud if entering from the eastward, 
taking care to avoid the rock which dries 1 foot. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, on 
the coast of Ushant, at 3h. 46m.; springs rise 19J feet, neaps 13j 
feet above low water, ordinary springs; ordinary springs rise 24f 
feet, neaps 19J feet, above low water. 

About 2 miles southwestward from Ushant the flood or northeast¬ 
going stream divides, one portion passing through the Passage du 
Fromveur, the other along the northwestern side of the island, near 
which it attains at times a maximum velocity of 7 knots. The ebb or 
southwest-going stream divides similarly off' the northeastern end of 
the island, but its velocity is not quite so great. 

When the streams near Ushant are running at their full strength 
an eddy sets southwestward on the northwestern side of the island, 
and sometimes extends nearly 2 miles offshore; the stream, therefore, 
within that limit runs to the southwest for 9 hours out of the 12. 
At the same time a similar eddy forms on the southwestern side of 
the island, the stream running northwestward across the entrance to 
Baie de Lampaul for 9 hours out of the 12, producing sometimes a 
violent race off the southwestern point of Ushant. 

In the channels betwen Ushant and the mainland the flood stream 
runs northeasteward and northward, the ebb southwestward and 
southward. The flood stream begins at low water at Brest, or about 
1 hour before high water at Dover, in the southern parts, and rather 
later in the northern parts. The ebb stream begins at high water at 


PASSAGE DU FROMVEUR. 


61 


Brest, or about 5 hours after high water at Dover in the northern 
parts and rather later in the southern parts. 

Haut Fond d’Ouessant.—About 3.2 miles 230° from the south¬ 
western point of Ushant, and just within the 50-fathom curve the 
northern end of a bank, about 1.7 miles long, northward and south¬ 
ward, and 4 mile broad, on which are depths of 25 to 33 fathoms 
water, broken shells. Around it are 42 to 51 fathoms, and between 
it and the rocks extending oil' Ushant 48 fathoms, until within ^ mile 
of those rocks, when the depths decrease and become irregular. 

A bank about 1.5 miles in length, north-northeasterly and south- 
southwesterly with depths of 40 to 47 fathoms, shells, and 51 to 56 
fathoms around, lies 3.5 miles southwestward of Haut Fond d'Oues- 
sant. 

Channels between Ushant and the mainland.—Nearly all the 
space between Ushant and the French coast is studded with islets, 
rocks, and shoals, particularly in the direction of St. Mathieu Point, 
which bears 16.5 miles, 118°, from Creac’h Point Lighthouse. Creac’h 
Point Lighthouse, in line with Bunion Beacon bearing 328°, or open 
westward of it, leads westward of all these dangers. Besides many 
intricate passages there are three deep channels between the islets 
and rocks, viz, the Passage du Fromveur, Chenal de ha Helle, and 
Chenal du Four. The first only in case of necessity may be taken 
during daylight by a stranger; the others are very difficult, and 
sunken rocks lie nearly in their fairways; but the Chenal du Four is 
now marked and buoyed, and may be navigated by steam vessels with 
the aid of pilots. 

Passage du Fromveur, with a depth of water of from 25 to 36 
fathoms, runs parallel with the southern coast of Ushant, between 
that island and Loedod Bock, lie de Bannec, and the rocks and shoals 
extending 3 miles south-southwestward of the latter; its least width 
is about 0.8 mile. The Fromveur is not frequented, on account of the 
strong streams in it. The sea is very heavy during the ebb, with 
strong southwesterly winds. It is always dangerous to take during 
the strength of the stream, unless the weather is clear enough to 
enable the uncovered rocks and the beacons on the south coast of 
Ushant to be easily seen. It ought to be avoided by all ships in 
heavy weather, by sailing vessels except in case of necessity, and then 
used only with the tidal stream, and should not be attempted at night. 

Dangers.—The dangers on the northern side of the Passage du 
Fromveur have been described with the Island of Ushant. 

Southeastern side—Basse Pengloc’h, in the northern approach 
to the Passage du Fromveur, with a depth of 1 fathom at low water, 
lies 0.9 mile east-northeastward of Loedoc Bock. 

Men Tensel.—The principal danger lies off the rocky Isle of 
Loedec, from which a rocky ledge extends westward 800 yards, hav- 


62 


PASSAGE DU FROMVEUR. 


ing at its extremity Men Tensel, a detached rock, which uncovers 
15 feet at the lowest tides. Most of the rocks on this ledge, however, 
are visible at half ebb, and there is generally broken water over them 
at other periods of the tide. Between Men Tensel and Basse Darland 
is the narrowest part of the channel, which is less than a mile across. 
A white mooring buoy is placed about 200 yards to the northward 
of the rock. 

Men Tensel Light.—A light is exhibited at an elevation of 122 
feet from a cylindrical tower 134 feet in height erected on Men Tensel. 
See Light List. 

Fog signal.—A fog signal is made from the light. See Light List. 

lie de Bannec, a rocky islet about 800 yards in length, north and 
south, lies 800 yards southward of Loedoc Rock. A short distance 
soutll-southwestward of the islet is the conspicuous rock Roc’ll Hir, 
and 500 yards farther in the same direction the Men Du and Staone 
Rocks, always uncovered. 

Farther to the south-southwestward are the Melbian Rock, which 
uncovers 9 feet, and the Basse clu Mel-bian, with a low-water depth 
of 3 feet; about 600 yards east-northeastward of the latter is a patch 
of 1 fathom. 

Pierres Vertes, situated nearly 3.5 miles 259° from the signal 
mast on He de Molene and 2.7 miles south-southwest from the south 
end of lie de Bannec, rise from about the center of a bank which 
exceeds J mile in length in an east-northeast and west-southwest 
direction, and on which are several rocks and rocky patches. The 
Pierres Vertes uncover 7 feet at low water, and Gondiehoc, 0.3 mile 
east-northeast of them, also uncovers 7 feet. At the western end of 
the bank is a patch of 4§ fathoms named Basse Occidentale des 
Pierres Vertes. 

This bank marks the eastern side of the southwestern entrance to 
the Passage du Fromveur, and also the western extreme of the rocky 
plateau extending from Molene Island. Works are in progress at 
the Pierres Vertes. 

Clearing marks.—Creac’h Point Lighthouse in line with Runion 
Beacon, bearing 328°, leads westward of the Pierres Vertes Bank, as 
also does Stiff Point Lighthouse in line with Pen al Lan mill, bear¬ 
ing 0°. 

Directions.—From the northeastward give the eastern end of 
Ushant a berth of about a mile; keep Loedoc Rock open westward of 
Roc’h Hir, to avoid the Basse du Fromveur, until the black beacon 

tower on Men ar Froud Rock is in line with Roc’h Melen bearino- 

* 

251°, when the latter may be steered for, and when the east end of 
Ushant is in line with Stiff Point Lighthouse bearing 307° steer about 
236°, passing 0.5 to 0.6 mile from Youc’h and Men ar Froud Rocks, 
until Stiff Point Lighthouse bears 5° and is open westward of Pen al 


PASSAGE DU FROMVEUR. 


63 


Lan Mill, on the southeast coast of the island; when, if bound to 
southward, keep the lighthouse on the above bearing astern and make 
good a 185° course for 3 miles to pass westward of the Pierres Vertes. 
Stiff Point Lighthouse must on no account be opened to the eastward 
of Pen al Lan Mill while on the latter course, as the two objects in 
line lead just westward of the bank. Creac’h Point Lighthouse seen 
just over the southwestern point of the island bearing 336° leads 
about a mile westward of the westernmost patch of the Pierres Vertes. 
nnd Creac'h Point Lighthouse in line with Runiou Beacon bearing 
328° also leads westward of the same patch and the rocks and shoal 
patches lying to the eastward of this line of bearing, which are too 
numerous to define; the mariner is therefore referred to the chart. 

When Ar Men Guen Gondichoc is seen between the barracks and 
signal mast at Molene bearing 79° steer 146°, allowing for the tidal 
stream; this course made good will lead nearly 1.5 miles westward of 
the westernmost shoal of the Chaussee des Pierres Noires, and when 
Pierres Noires Lighthouse bears 90° the course may, with discretion, 
be altered to the southeastward. 

From the southward, when about 1.5 miles southward of Runiou 
Beacon, steer toward Youc’h Rock, lying southward of the eastern 
end of Tisha nt and keep it well open of Men ar Frond, on which is 
a black beacon tower with a cylindrical top mark. When, on this 
course, Men ar Froud Beacon tower bears 5°, distant 800 yards, steer 
05° to pass between Basse Darland and Men Tensel, keeping Men ar 
Froud Beacon tower northward of Roc’li Melen until Loedoc Rock 
is open to the westward of Roc’h Hir, to clear all dangers on the 
island side, including the Basse du From vein*. When Stiff Point 
Lighthouse is on with Men Corn, steer to the northeastward as 
desired. 

Tidal streams.—The tidal streams in the Passage du Fromveur 
make half an hour after high and low water on the shore and run in 
the direction of the channel, but they are so rapid as to alarm per¬ 
sons unused to its navigation, particularly at springs, when they 
attain in the middle of the passage a velocity of 9 knots and the whole 
surface of the water has the appearance of breakers. 

Islands and rocks southeastward of Ushant.—From He de 
Bannec and the dangers already described as bordering the south¬ 
eastern side of the Passage du Fromveur a shallow plateau about 3 
miles in width and studded with islets and rocks extends for 9 miles 
in the direction of Kermorvan and St. Mathieu Points, off which it 
forms the western side of the Chenal du Four. The principal islets 
arising from this plateau will now be mentioned. 

lie de Balanec, an irregularly shaped rocky islet, lies a little more 
than a mile southeastward of lie de Bannec. It is surrounded by 
numerous reefs and rocks, sunken and visible, which extend about a 


64 


ILE DE MOLENE. 


mile northeastward, to the edge of the plateau, and south west ward 
nearly as far as the Pierres Vertes. 

lie de Molene—Approaches—Depths.—The road of Tie de 
Molene, which is situated westward of Ledenes de Molene, may be 
approached from the westward or northward; from the westward by 
passing southward of the Pierres Vertes Bank; northward of Rocher 
du Loup and of Ar Men Guen Gondichoc, situated 1.2 miles west¬ 
ward of Molene and 8 feet high; westward of Branic Yas Oi les, 
which dries 18 feet; northward of Basse Oues, which dries 19 feet; 
and of Ar C’heste, which dries 18 feet, the three last lying off the 
northwestern part of Molene. A least depth of 10 feet at low water 
can be carried through this channel, which, however, is not suffi¬ 
ciently examined. The depth in the road of Molene is only about 
6 feet. 

From the northward the road is approached by passing westward 
of the Les Trois Pierres, the northern rock of which dries 27 feet and 
is marked by a white square beacon tower, 12 feet high, lying a little 
more than a mile north-northeastward from the signal mast on Molene 
and eastward of the red beacon tower on Men Real Rock. This chan¬ 
nel is only about 200 yards wide, with a depth of 10 feet at its southern 
end, and less in the road, as above mentioned. The tower on Les 
Trois Pierres in line with Molene Church bearing 204° leads west¬ 
ward of the Plateau de la Helle and eastward of Roche Colvine. a 
patch of 4 fathoms lying 1.2 miles west-northwestward of La Helle 
Rock. 

Tidal streams.—At the entrance of the western channel the flood 
stream sets in a north-northwesterly direction toward Basse du Nor- 
rnand, but turns eastward through the channel northward of Basse 
Oues, attaining a velocity of 4 to 5 knots at springs. The ebb stream 
is of the same strength and follows the direction of the channel 
throughout. 

Passe des Las.—The entrance of the channel just mentioned may 
also be reached from the Chenal du Four by means of the Passe des 
Las, which is 300 yards wide, with a least depth of 2J fathoms, and 
lies between the Plateau de la Helle, on the north, and the shoals 
extending northward from the He de Quemenes, on the south. The 
north mill on Molene just open north of the beacon on Ledenes de 
Molene bearing 263° leads through. 

Passe de la Chimere.—The approach to the north channel from 
the southward is through the Passe de la Chimere, with 5 feet least 
water, which lies between the lies de Trielen and de Quemenes and 
the numerous rocks lying off them. The pass is entered from the 
southeastward, between Quemenes Island and the Vieille Noire Rock, * 
by keeping Molene steeple just open eastward of Trielen Island, and 
when about 400 yards from the latter a northerly course may be 


ILE DE MOLENE. 


65 


steered through the channel, passing eastward of Men Briant Beacon 
and the Roche de l'Etoile. When Ledenes de Quemenes is seen just 
touching Quemenes bearing 145° this mark astern leads between 
Les Troies Pierres and the Plateau de la Ilelle. The least water is in 
the southern approach to the pass. 


These channels are only suitable for small vessels and should not 
be attempted without a pilot. 

lie de Molene, 1.2 miles south-southeastward of Balanec, is 1,300 
yards long north and south and about 800 yards wide: it is low and 
sandy, but is the highest of the group under description. There is 
a small pier on the eastern side of the island, on which side is a 
village, an old house called the barracks, and a disused signal mast 
on the highest part near the middle, two mills, the southern without 
sails, the northern white, and a church with a tower surmounted by 
a spire, not far from the pier. On the south side of the island is a 
landmark consisting of a white quadrangular pyramid. The isle 
offers no supplies and possesses but a small tidal harbor sheltered 
by the pier and accessible only to fishing boats and small coasters. 

Ledenes de Molene, a small island, lies clcse northeastward of 
Molene, and is connected to it by a ridge, which dries about 18 feet; 
there is a white pyramidal beacon, elevated 40 feet, near its southern 


end. 


Rocky ledges surround the island and extend about 1 mile west- 
ward, also south-southeastward for 1.3 miles as far as lie de Trielen 
and northward nearly 4 mile from Ledenes de Molene. 

Moorings—Anchorage.—Two mooring buoys are placed 400 and 
000 yards eastward of the Ledenes de Molene, and another is moored 
in the road to the northwestward of that island, where the depth 
is about G feet at lowest tide. The road is exposed to all winds 
between west-northwest and east-northeast through north. There 
is temporary anchorage in about 4 fathoms 4 mile east-northeast - 
ward of the north end of Ledenes de Molene. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat and life-saving apparatus are stationed 
at Molene. 

Tides.—The time of high water at Molene is 12 m. later than at 
Brest. Springs and neaps both rise 8 inches more than at that place. 

Telegraph.—There is telegraphic communication with Corsen 
Point. 

Pilots.—The pilots of Molene have open cutter-rigged boats, but 
as they are able to go to the southward of the Pierres Noires without 
losing the shelter of the rocks, they are those most conveniently taken 
by a vessel bound for Brest in strong westerly winds. These pilots 
and those of Abervrac’h and Ushant are the best in the vicinity of 
Brest. They can pilot vessels to the Porte de Commerce of Brest. 


66 


ILE DE TRIELEN. 


lie de Trielen, about 1.3 miles south-southeastward of Molene, 
with which it is connected rocky ledges, is about J mile long, 26 
feet high, and sandy. There is some thin pasture on it and two farm 
houses. Its southern side, like the other islands, is unapproachable 
at low water within 200 or 400 yards, rocky ledges extending that 
distance from it. About mile south-soutliwestward of the western 
end of the island is the large reef of rocks, les Serroux, of consider¬ 
able extent at low water, and the two southeastern rocks are always 
above water. 

Rocky patches, in the center of which are some rocks that dry 5 
feet, extend 1.7 miles southward of les Serroux., The outermost, Cleu 
Bas Yen, has 1 fathom water on it at lowest tide. 

North-northwestward of the eastern end of Trielen, at a distance 
of I mile, is the He aux Chretiens, a small islet 18 feet high, with 
black ledges extending from it at low water in almost every direction. 
On the rocky ledge connecting Trielen with Molene there are some 
rocks always above water. 

Beacon.—Men Briant Rock, situated 0.7 mile 3° from the east 
end of Trielen and about 400 vards northeastward of Pen-ven-bras, 
has a red metal beacon 12 feet high with conical top mark. 

Vieille Noire (Groac’h-du)—Beacon.—This shoal, lying rather 
more than 1 mile southeastward of lie de Trielen, is rocky, about 300 
yards in extent, and uncovers 15 feet at lowest water. On the western 
head is a red steel beacon with conical top mark. 

About 0.6 mile 242° from Vieille Noire is a small rock, which un¬ 
covers 11 feet at lowest water. There are several shoals lying about 
0.6 mile east-southeastward of this rock and the same distance south¬ 
ward of Vieille Noire. These shoals have depths of I to 2J fathoms 
over them and occupy dangerous positions on the northern side of the 
channel leading to the Pass du Petit Courleau. 

lie de Quemenes, nearly 1 mile eastward of Trielen, is low, its 
greatest elevation, at the eastern end, being 36 feet above high water, 
and lies in an easterly and westerly direction, surrounded with numer¬ 
ous ledges, particularly to the northward. The island is covered with 
thin pasture, and has a farm house on it and a ruined chimney near 
the eastern end. It is only approachable on its eastern side, except at 
high water. The small, very low islet Ledenes de Quemenes on the 
north joins it by a beach at half tide. A bank on which are numerous 
rocks and ledges extends rather more than 1 mile northward and 2 
miles eastward of Ledenes de Quemenes. On the northern edge, 
which forms the southern side of the Passe des Las, are the Roche du 
Chenal, which dries 1 foot at lowest tides, and le Lapin, which dries 
5 feet. The eastern edge of the bank forms part of the western side 
of the Chenal de la Helle. 


ILE DE LYTIRY. 


67 


Beacon Grand Crom Hock, which dries 19 feet, lies 1,300 yards 
northeastward of Ledenes de Quemenes, and is marked by a red iron 
beacon with conical top mark. 

lie de Lytiry, 0.3 mile north and south, lies J mile eastward of 
Quemenes. It has two or three small beaches of fine sand and is sur¬ 
rounded b}^ ledges which show at half tide. About 300 yards south¬ 
ward ol it is a rocky ledge on which are the lie de Morgol and 
Rocher Morgol, both 14 feet high, and le Cromic Rock, 30 feet high, 
pointed and conspicuous. There are several half-tide and low-water 
ledges lying south-southeastward of these; the outermost, Basse 
Allaire, dries 17 feet at low water. 

About 0. < mile eastward of Morgol and separated from it by Passe 
de Morgol are some ledges which dry over a considerable extent, and 
are black; Belveignou Rock, on one of these, is 8 feet high. Nearly 
800 yards north-northeastward of Belveignou is Petit Courleau, 
which dries 16 feet. 

Numerous rocky heads extend from Belveignou miles eastward 
to the Chenal du Four, among them being Grand Courleau, which 
dries 20 feet, and lies east-southeastward J mile from Petit Courleau. 

Between Belveignou Rock and the north end of Beniguet are the 
Clossen Ar-hic and Clossen Bras Rocks, which dry 16 and 18 feet, 
respectively. The last four dangers lie near the Passe du Petit 
Courleau, mentioned later. 


lie de Beniguet is low and sandy, 1.2 miles in length northeast 
and southwest, and about J mile in breadth; it reaches its greatest 
elevation 36 feet, about J mile from the southwestern end; its north¬ 
eastern end is about 2 miles from Kermorvan Point. On the south¬ 
eastern side, near the southwest end, are a farmhouse, a ruined 
chimney, and a small pier. The island is only accessible to fishing 
boats. A large number of rocks and sunken ledges lie on its south¬ 
eastern side, most of which begin to uncover at one-third ebb and 
show to a great extent at low water. 


Tower.—Ar Christian Bras, southeastward of these rocks and 
ledges, is marked by a red beacon tower, on which is a red conical 
top mark 13 feet above high water. Ar Men Alec, a rocky ledge, 
together with other rocks south-southwest of it, dries 12 feet and 
lies about J mile southeastward of the southern end of Beniguet, and 
nearly the same distance from Ar Christian Bras. From the south¬ 
western point of the isle a ledge of rocks, every part of which is 
visible at low springs, extends a considerable distance; the sea breaks 
on the ledge with the least swell. Near the northwestern end of this 
ledge and about 600 yards west of the southwest point of the island, 
are the two small Louedeguet Rocks, 12 feet high. 

Fornic Rock—Tower.—Fornic Rock, aboift 600 yards westward 
of Louedeguet Rocks, is marked by a tower of masonry, 20 feet high, 


68 


PIERRES NOIRES. 


with a mean diameter of about 12 feet, and painted black and white 
in horizontal bands. 

The northwestern side of Beniguet Isle has rocks and low-tide 
ledges extending from 300 to 700 yards off. Close off the beach on 
the northeastern side there is anchorage for small vessels. 

Caution.—The islands just described should not be approached 
from the westward nearer than to bring Creac’h Point Lighthouse in 
line with Runiou Beacon bearing 328° to avoid Pierres Vertes and 
Pierres Moires and the numerous dangerous rocks and shoals east¬ 
ward of that line. 

Cliaussee des Pierres Noires is a rocky bank extending east and 
west over a distance of about 6.5 miles, the eastern end terminating 
1.2 miles from St. Mathieu Lighthouse. Several of the rocks rise 15 
or 20 feet and more above high water; others uncover and show 
considerably at low-water springs, while many shoals are always 
covered. The soundings on the bank are very irregular, varying 
from under 1 to 10 and 16 fathoms. 

Basse Occidentale des Pierres Noires, the westernmost of these 
shoals, situated nearly 2 miles westward of Pierres Noires Light¬ 
house, is an isolated head with 2f fathoms over it. Westward of 
this shoal the water deepens to 20 fathoms at a distance of 500 yards. 

Le Boufouloc, nearly midway between the Basse Occidentale and 
the Pierres Noires Lighthouse, is a rocky bank on which the northern 
head dries 11 feet at lowest water. The southern head, with 11 feet 
over it, lies about 300 yards southward of the northern head and 1 
mile 282° from the lighthouse. About 500 yards westward of Bou¬ 
fouloc Bank is a patch with 31 fathoms over it at lowest water, and 
at a quarter of a mile southward of the bank, at the edge of the 
chaussee, is a patch of 3f fathoms. 

Pierres Noires, the western of the chain above water, are about 
15 feet above high water, with a few ledges extending 200 yards from 
them. Le Diamant, a small pointed rock, is the southwestern of this 
outer group, but about 200 yards south-south westward of it is Basse 
Roux, a patch which uncovers 2 feet at loAvest water. About 400 
yards south-southeastward of le Diamant, on the edge of the chaussee, 
is a patch of 2 fathoms, with a depth of 4J fathoms 200 yards east¬ 
ward of it. 

Light—Pierres Noires.—On the largest of the Pierres Noires is 
a circular stone tower, partly whitened and 82 feet high, from which 
is exhibited, 90 feet above high water, a flashing red light, visible 15 
miles. Off-lying rocks extend 600 yards southwestward of the light¬ 
house. (See Light List.) 

Fog signal.—A fog signal consisting of a trumpet, operated by 
compressed air, is sounded at the lighthouse. 

There is a line-throwing gun at the lighthouse. 


LA SIEGE. 


69 


Placen ar Beniguet is a large ledge of rocks lying 1,100 yards 
northward from Pierres Noires Lighthouse. These rocks uncover 
about 18 feet at lowest water, and are at all times marked by break¬ 
ers. About 200 yards eastward of Placen ar Beniguet is a rock which 
uncovers 5 feet at low water, and a rockv bank on which are several 
sunken rocks extends j mile westward toward le Boufouloc, with a 

head which dries 3 feet at its extremity. 

• *- 

Le Petit Taureau, a small rockv shoal which uncovers 6 feet at 
lowest water, lies about 1.2 miles northward of Pierres Noires Light¬ 
house. 

La Siege, 22 feet high, is the largest of a group of rocks situated 
1.T00 yards east-northeastward from Pierres Noires Lighthouse, and 
is surrounded by ledges that uncover at low water springs. Cornoc 
Conquet Rock, 200 yards westward of the group, is 9 feet high. La 
Siege Rocks on the west side, and Pierre des Poissons, Kerouroc, 
Cheminees, and Ranvel on the east, form a passage, named Passage 
de la Siege, leading to the channels into the Four, between Quemenes 
and Beniguet Islands. There is also a channel northwestward of the 
Siege and the Pierres Noires, or between these groups and Placen ar 
Beniguet, where there are sunken rocks and shallow patches to be 
avoided. For these channels the chart must be the guide. 

Kerouroc is a small islet, 32 feet high, 1.5 miles east-northeastward 
of Pierres Noires Lighthouse, on which, landing may be made from 
a boat in almost any weather. There are many half-tide rocks and 
shoals around the islet, and 300 yards northward of it Pierre des 
Poissons rises 2 feet above high water. Between Pierre des Poissons 
and Beniguet Isle are several shoals and rocks, some of which uncover 
at iow water; one. Roche Double. 000 yards north-northeastward of 
Pierre des Poissons, dries 2 feet. 


Les Trois Cheminees are three small rocks from 22 to 35 feet 
above high water, the two easternmost being nearly joined together, 
and situated about 1.4 miles eastward of Pierres Noires Lighthouse. 
There are a few half-tide rocks on the eastern side, on which the sea 
breaks, and 200 yards northwestward is a patch with several sunken 
rocks and one which dries 13 feet. The western Cheminee is bold 
and 1 ies on the southeastern side of the Passage de la Siege. 

Basse de la, Recherche lies close to the southern edge of the 
chaussee between the Diaman and the Ranval, about 1,100 yards 
westward of the latter, and has 6 feet over it at lowest springs. 

Le Ranvel is a ledge of rocks awash at high-water springs, situ¬ 
ated nearly i mile southward of the Cheminees. South westward and 
southward about 400 and 300 yards from it are two patches which 
uncover 4 and 9 feet, respectively, at lowest water. 

Between the Cheminees and Basse Large are several shoals and 
rocks, the highest being the Post ar Ganol, which uncovers 22 feet. 


70 


BOSSEMEN ORIENTAL. 


Basse Large is a bank about 0.8 mile in length north-northeast¬ 
ward and south-southwestward and 4 mile in breadth, its north end 
lying about 4 mile southwestward of the Bossemen Occidental. On 
its northern part there are two heads, with only 2 and 4 feet, respec¬ 
tively, and one spot on its southeastern side is awash at lowest water. 
On the southwest end there is a head with 4 feet on it. On other 
parts of the bank there are from 1£ to 4 fathoms water. 

A rock, having 14 fathoms on it, named Roche du Varech, lies with 
the high Cheminee bearing 296° about 0.8 mile, and another, having 
2 fathoms on it, lies 200 yards south-southeastward of the Varech, 
both being about 200 yards inside the southern edge of the chaussee. 

Bossemen Occidental is a circular rock, 18 feet high. 3.2 miles 
81° from Pierres Noires Lighthouse, having many detached ledges 
about it, which show at half tide in various directions to a distance of 
about 800 vards. Several rocks and shoals northward and westw ard 
of it mark the south side of the Passage du Beniguet. 

Bossemen Oriental, the easternmost rock above high water of the 
Chaussee des Pierres Noires, lies about 900 yards 96° from the Bosse¬ 
men Occidental. It is small, circular, and 15 feet high. Men Civien, 
a rock which uncovers 14 feet at lowest water, is 350 yards north- 
northeastward of it. 

Basse des Bossemen is a small sunken rock with 1 foot of water 
over it. arid lies nearly 800 yards 223° from Bossemen Oriental. Les 
Deux Freres rocks, with If and 2 fathoms over them, are situated 
about 600 yards westward of Basse des Bossemen. A patch named 
les Deux Sceurs, with 24 fathoms on it lies 700 yards 133° from Bosse¬ 
men Oriental, and a rock with 24 fathoms on it 600 yards 81° from 
Men Civien. 

Basse du Chenal, situated about 0.6 mile eastward from Bossemen 
Oriental, and on the western side of the southern entrance of the 
Chenal du Four, is a rocky reef about 300 yards in length, with 5 
to 9 feet over it and steep-to. 

Roche de la Fourmi—Buoy.—Fourmi Rock, with fathoms 
over it, lies nearly 600 yards north-northeastward from th o northeast 
end of the Basse du Chenal, and 1 mile 269° from les Vieux Moines 
beacon. It is marked by a red buoy with a conical toil mark, moored 
off its southeastern side. 

Basse Royale, the southeastern shoal of the Pierres Noires, 1.5 
miles southwestward of the Basse du Chenal, has 4 fathoms over it 
at lowest springs, and 10 to 16 fathoms close around. A small patch 
of 4f fathoms lies nearly 0.6 mile 59° from it. The Diamant in 
line with the Ranvel leads on to Basse Royale. 

Clearing marks.— The southwestern Tas de Pois open southward 
of Parquette beacon tower bearing 102°, leads about a mile southward 
of the Pierres Noires shoals. 


LE FOUR ROCK. 


71 


Kermorvan and Trezien lights in line bearing 7°, lead eastward of 
the Fourmi rock and of all dangers on the Chaussee des Pierres 
Noires, and Petit Minou and Portzic lights in line lead southward of 
them. 

The French coast from St. Laurent Peninsula is of granite for¬ 
mation and trends southward about 11 miles to St. Mathieu Point. 
It is moderately high and bordered by large rocks and shoals. The 
vicinity of Le Four Pock should not be approached in thick weather 
within a depth of 45 fathoms, where the bottom is generally gray 
sand, flints, and other stones. 

Le Four Rock, lying 1.1 miles westward of St. Laurent Peninsula, 
the northwestern extremity of France, is large, black, and remark¬ 
able. It is broad at the top and 17 feet high, with a lighthouse on it. 
Shoals patches extend about 400 yards eastward and westward from 
the rock. 

Light. —From the lighthouse on Le Four Pock a circular masonry 
tower 85 feet in height, is exhibited 92 feet above high water, a flash¬ 
ing white light visible 15 miles. 

There are two line-throwing guns at the lighthouse. 

Fog signal. —During thick and foggy weather a compressed-air 
reed horn is sounded. 

Grand and Petit Melgorne are pointed rocks above water lying 
between Le Four and the main. Grand Melgorne serves as a mark 
for passing westward of the Grand Vinotiere, but it is not easily 
distinguished. 

At about 1.7 miles southward of St. Laurent Peninsula is He 
Melon, about 300 yards offshore; it is elevated and cliffy and serves 
as a mark for vessels navigating near the shore. 

L’aberildut.—The entrance to this tidal port is 3^ miles southward 
of Le Four Pock. The port is frequented by fishing boats and 
coasters. It is the only place between Brest and the Piver Aber- 
vrac’h (which is 10 miles eastward of Le Four Pock) that vessels 
drawing 12 feet can enter at high water, springs, and be sheltered 
from all winds. During neaps there are only 8 feet at high water. 
At low water the port dries completely for 400 yards outside the 
entrance, but the bottom being soft sand vessels lie aground with 
safety. A considerable amount of stone and sand is exported from 
the port. A great deal of the stone used in the Thames embankment 
came from here. 

Dangers in approach, northern side—Le Lieu—Tower. —Le 
Lieu Pock, about 0.6 mile westward of the entrance to the port, is 
marked by a black tower surmounted with a cylinder 15 feet above 
high water and on which is a tide gauge indicating the height of the 
tide above lowest water. 

21235°—17-6 



72 


i/aberildut. 


A rock with 3 feet on it at low water lies about 600 yards westward 
of Le Lieu, and the Trois Pierres, which dry 13 feet, lie a short 
distance southeastward. A rock awash at low water lies 400 yards 
eastward of the Trois Pierres, and another, drying 1 foot, lies about 
700 yards eastward of Le Lieu. 

Beacon. —A provisional stone beacon, the summit 6 feet above high 
water, is erected on Trois Pierres. 

Southern side—La Pierre de Laber—Beacon. —La Pierre de 
Laber lies about 1 mile westward of the south entrance point, uncov¬ 
ers 12 feet at lowest tides, and is marked by a red iron beacon, with 
conical top mark, 15 feet high. 

Men Garo lies about 0.6 mile eastward of the Pierre de Laber, and 
uncovers 22 feet at lowest water. 

Light. —On the northern side of the entrance to L’aberildut is a 
rectangular lighthouse 13 feet in height, from which is exhibited, at 
35 feet above high water, a fixed white and red light; the white light 
is visible 11 miles, the red 9 miles. (See Light List.) 

Anchorage. —Small vessels awaiting tide can anchor 300 yards 
northeast of Men Garo in 10 feet water, sand bottom. 

Telegraph cable. —Two beacons painted in blue and white hori¬ 
zontal bands, with a round white top mark in line bearing 97°, mark 
the landing place of a telegraph cable on the south side of the en¬ 
trance to L’aberildut, near the telegraph watch tower. Vessels should 
not anchor or use dragnets on this alignment. 

Directions. —When about 2 miles off the entrance, bring the tower 
of Breles Church, among the trees about 2 miles inland, in line with 
the tower of Lanildut Church, bearing 79°. This mark leads to 
the entrance, passing about 200 yards northward of the Pierre de 
Laber, marked by a red beacon, and between the Trois Pierres on 
the north and Men Garo Rock on the south, which rock is covered 
at the highest tides only. From the entrance, which is about 150 
yards wide, pass about 50 yards southward of a large rock connected 
with the north entrance point by a jetty, then keep about 50 yards 
from the northern shore, and on rounding the point which forms 
the western side of the port of Labor, if desiring shelter only, anchor 
abreast of the first houses in that village; but to take in or discharge 
cargo run on to the quay, where the grounding places are excellent, 
the bottom being mud and sand. It is advisable for a stranger to 
employ a pilot, or, as there are none belonging to the port, a fisher¬ 
man does as well. The best time to enter is about one hour before 
high water. 

At night keep in the white sector of L’aberildut Light which leads 
between the shoals to the entrance of the port. 

Tides and tidal streams.— It is high water, full and change, at 
L’aberildut at 3 h. 58 m.; ordinary springs rise 13 feet, neaps rise 8 


POINTE DE CORSEN. 


73 


feet above the grounding places off Laber, which dry 10 feet at lowest 
w r ater. The tidal stream runs very strongly across the entrance to 
the southwest during the first hour of the ebb and requires a fresh 
breeze to stem it. In the river the streams have considerable strength, 
the ebb as much as 3 knots between the entrance points, whence it 
sets right on Men Tassin and Descleo Rocks northward of the en¬ 
trance. 

Segal Island, joined to the mainland by a causeway a little more 
than 200 yards in length, lies 2.2 miles southwestward of the entrance 
to l’Aberildut. Portz Paul, a small bay, dry at low water, lies ^ 
mile northeastward of Segal Island, and between them rocky ledges, 
which dry 12 feet, extend 600 yards from the shore. 

There is a line-throwing gun at Portz Paul. 

Light.—Trezien Lighthouse, situated about f mile 48° from the 
lighthouse on Pointe de Corsen and 0.3 mile from the sea, is a round 
white tower, 115 feet in height, with a main building; from it is 
exhibited a fixed white light at an elevation of 275 feet above high 
water, visible 22 miles in clear weather over an arc of 30°. (See Light 
List.) 

Trezien Mill, white, with neither arms nor roof, stands 1,100 yards 
northeastward of Trezien Lighthouse, and about the same distance 
from the shore abreast Goaltoc’h Rock. 

Pointe de Corsen is easily distinguished by its steep cliffs and by 
the lighthouse buildings and semaphore described below. Off the 
western face of the point a rocky ledge extends nearly 200 yards off¬ 
shore, with several rocks awash at high water and two above that 
level. The northernmost of these, the Roche de la Pointe, lies close 
under the semaphore and is 22 feet high; the southern, the Pierre 
St. Paul, is 5 feet high and lies 300 yards 193° from the former. 

Light. —About 300 yards 13° from the southern extremity of the 
point is a round white hut 7 feet in height, with low buildings near it, 
covered with red tile. From the hut is exhibited, 105 feet above high 
water, a fixed white, red, and green light, the sectors of which are 
visible respectively 15,11, and 10 miles in clear weather. (See Light 
List.) 

The old lighthouse, 20 feet in height, situated 775 yards 105° from 
the new light, remains as a mark. 

Semaphore.—A semaphore is established at Corsen Point, south- 
westward of the lighthouse. 

Coast.—The coast about J mile southward of Pointe de Corsen 
forms the little Anse de Portzmoguer, which affords anchorage, in 
easterly winds, in from 5 to 7 fathoms, | mile southwestward of the 
low-water edge of the sandy beach at the head of the bay. 

Telegraph beacons.—Two beacons, striped blue and white hori¬ 
zontally, with a white circular top mark, in line 52°, mark the land- 


74 


KERMORVAN. 


ing place of a telegraph cable at the head of the bay. Vessels should 
not anchor nor use drag nets on this alignment. 

Basse Jaune extends 600 yards from Brenterc’h Point, J mile 
southward of the bay: It dries 11 to 12 feet at lowest water. 

Anse des Blancs Sablons.— Two miles southward of Corsen 
Point the land curves round and forms Anse des Blancs Sablons, in 
which there is anchorage in 4 to 8 fathoms water, sandy bottom, clear 
of dangers, but open to north and northwesterly winds. The tidal 
streams are scarcely felt in the bay, except an eddy which sets on 
llet de Kermorvan during the flood, in its southern part. The best 
position for anchorage is about 800 yards east-northeastward of the 
llet, in about 7 fathoms. The anchorage should only be used in fine 
weather. 

Presqu’ile de Kermorvan, 88 feet high, is situated at the western 
end of a narrow neck of land which separates the southern part of 
Anse des Blancs Sablons from the little port of Le Conquet. Pointe 
de Kermorvan, the western extremity of the peninsula, is foul, and 
a short distance off it are two rocks, Le Normand and Petite Vino- 
tiere, which dry at low water. A large rock named l’llet lies 200 
yards off the north extreme of the peninsula. 

Roche du Fulminant, with 2 fathoms water over it, is 0.3 mile 291° 
from Kermorvan Lighthouse, and nearly 800 yards east-southeast¬ 
ward of Grande Vinotiere Beacon; a patch of 3 fathoms lies about 
200 yards southward of it. Between the llet and Grande Vinotiere, 
0.3 mile from the former, is a rocky bank on which are two heads of 
2J fathoms and one of 3 fathoms near its south end. 

La Louve—Tower.— La Louve Rock, which dries 9 feet, lies about 
350 yards southeastward of Pointe de Kermorvan, on the north 
side of the entrance to Le Conquet. It is marked by a black beacon 
tower, with cylindrical top mark. On the eastern face of the beacon 
is a tide gauge, painter in white, indicating the height of the tide 
above lowest water. 

Pointe de Kermorvan Light. —A light visible 14 miles is ex¬ 
hibited at a height of 72 feet from a square white tower 59 feet high. 
(See Light List.) 

Pog signal.— During thick and foggy weather a bell is sounded 
mechanically. 

Life saving. —There is a line-throwing gun at Kermorvan Light¬ 
house. 

Le Conquet.— The little tidal port of Le Conquet, now almost 
abandoned, is but little sheltered from westerly winds by the mole, 
behind which is the grounding place, and the surf there is very con¬ 
siderable. There is a depth in the port of 16 feet at high-water 
springs and of 6 to 7 feet at high-water neaps. There are two moor¬ 
ing buoys in the entrance, but the outer one, which is in 14 feet water, 



LE CONQUET. 


75 


is that to which a vessel should make fast, the other being too near 
the rocks, except for very small craft. There are no resources at 
Le Conquet, which has a population of about 1,000. 

An electric tramway connects Le Conquet and Brest. 

Life saving. —A lifeboat and other life-saving appliances are 
stationed at Le Conquet. 

Tides. —It is high water, full and change, in Conquet Road at 
3 h. 44 m. Springs rise 19J feet, neaps 14J feet above low water 
ordinary springs; springs rise 24J feet, neaps 19J feet above lowest 
water. 

Directions. —From westward of the entrance steer to leave the 
black beacon tower with a cylindrical top mark on the Louve Rock 
on the port hand, and, if not making fast to the moorings, anchor 
southward of that tower. The holding ground is bad, and no vessel 
should stay there in strong westerly winds; the tidal stream is not 
felt. 

The coast from Le Conquet to St. Mathieu Point forms steep 
cliffs. It is bordered by shoals, the principal of which are the fol¬ 
lowing : 

Les Renards—Tower. —Les Renards, a small shoal of rocks which 
uncover from 10 to 15 feet, extend nearly 400 yards west-southwest- 
ward of Pointe des Renards. The southwesternmost rock has a black 
beacon tower with a cylindrical top mark 14 feet above high water 
on it. 

Basse des Renards—Buoy. —Basse des Renards, J mile farther 
southwestward, with a depth of 5 feet on it at lowest water, is marked 
on its southwestern side by a black conical buoy with a cylindrical 
top mark. 

Basse Loquejou, which dries 5 feet, forms the extremity of a 
ledge of rocks extending 400 yards from Pointe de Penzers, which is 
situated about 800 yards northward of St. Mathieu Point. Two small 
sunken rocks lie northward 200 yards and westward 100 yards from 
the basse; another rock, awash at low water, lies 100 yards south¬ 
ward of the basse. 

Pointe de St. Mathieu, which forms the eastern point of the 
southern entrance to the Chenal du Four, may be distinguished by the 
lighthouse, semaphore, and the ruins of an old abbey on it, not far 
apart. The point is bordered by rocky ledges, and about 800 yards 
eastward of it Rospects Rocks extend nearly 800 yards off shore in a 
south-southwesterly direction. The outer rock, the Basse des Ros¬ 
pects, dries 2 feet; the others are from 11 to 54 feet high. 

Lights. —From the main lighthouse on St. Mathieu Point a round 
white tower 111 feet in height is exhibited, 184 feet above high water, 
a flashing white light, visible 20 miles. 


76 


CHENAL DU FOUR. 


The main light is reinforced by an intensified fixed white light, 
visible over an arc of 5°, the axis of which conincides with the aline- 
ment of St. Mathieu and Kermorvan Lights, bearing 158° 30'. 

A fixed white, red, and green light is also exhibited from a small 
tower painted white, 19 feet high, 85 feet above high water, situated 
59 yards 291° from St. Mathieu Lighthouse. The white, red, and 
green lights are visible 13, 9, and 7 miles, respectively. (See Light 
List.) 

A semaphore is situated near the old abbey on St. Mathieu Point. 

For signals respecting submarine vessels, see previous pages. 

Chenal du Four.— This channel lies between the mainland and 
the islets and rocks southeastward of Ushant, and is about 13 miles 
in length in a north and south direction, from abreast Four Pock, 
which gives its name to the channel, at the north, and St. Mathieu 
Point at the south end. Notwithstanding the many dangers on either 
side, it is practicable for ships of fairly deep draft, there being a least 
depth of fathoms in the channel at lowest water on the line of the 
leading marks, and is much used by steamers passing between the 
English Channel and the west coast of France and north coast of 
Spain, on account of the distance being shorter and the compara¬ 
tively smooth water in it during westerly winds. 

Depths. —The least water in the fairway of the Four Channel is 
southwestward of Kermorvan Point, where at lowest springs there 
is a depth of 3J to 4f fathoms, with 4J fathoms on the line of leading 
marks. In this channel it is prudent to have about 10 feet of water 
under the ship, so as to steer easily in the strong streams which run 
there. 

Dangers on eastern side. —The rocks and shoals in the vicinity 
of the Chenal du Four are numerous; the principal on the eastern 
side not already described are as follows: 

Basse Boureau, a small patch with 5^ fathoms over it, lies about 
1 mile westward of the Four Lighthouse. It is dangerous on account 
of the strong eddies which form over it in fine weather, and breaks 
with violence when there is much swell. It has the appearance of a 
rock barelv covered. 

Basse Meur, a small patch of 4J fathoms, is about 2.7 miles south- 
westward of Four Lighthouse and 3 miles offshore, and breaks 
heavily in strong westerly weather. About 2 miles eastward of this 
shoal and about 1 mile off the land are the Liniou Rocks, extend¬ 
ing | mile in a northeast and southwest direction, some of which are 
always uncovered, and J mile westward of these rocks is the Basse St. 
Jacques, over which there is a depth of 4 fathoms. Inshore of the 
Liniou Rocks are numerous reefs. One mile southward of Basse 
Meur is Basse Bittess, with a depth of 8 fathoms over it. 


77 


CHENAL DU FOUR. 

La Valbelle — Buoy. —La Valbelle, or Basse Neves, lying 1.7 miles 
277° from Segal Island, is a small rock, with If fathoms water over 
it, and is marked by a black spindle buoy with a cylindrical top 
mark on its western side; the buov is liable to drift. This rock is 
only 300 yards eastward of the leading line through the Four Chan¬ 
nel and 0.7 mile east-northeastward of the red beacon on the north¬ 
eastern rock of Les Platresses. 

Le Plateau des Fourches, 1 mile eastward of Valbelle Bock, ex¬ 
tends about 1 mile north-northwestward and south-southeastward. 
Grande Fourche is a high rock, with two rather sharp peaks, and 
Petite Fourche lies 200 yards southeastward of it. The rest of the 
plateau is composed of rocks, which uncover, and of shoals always 
covered. Basse des Fourches, in the northern part of the plateau, ^ 
mile northward of Grande Fourche, dries 7 feet. Shoals extend over 
i mile from its position, and a rock, awash at lowest water, lies f mile 
northwestward, on the edge of the plateau, just northward of a rock 
that dries 3 feet. The channel between the Fourches and the land is 
only suitable for small craft. 

Petite Basse de Portz Paul, with 3f fathoms on it, lies f mile 
southeast by south from La Valbelle Bock, and nearly 800 yards east¬ 
ward of the leading line through the Four Channel. 

Le Tendoc, a rock with 1J fathoms over it, lies 0.9 mile south- 
southeastward of La Valbelle Bock, with Trezien Mill in line with 
Goaltoc’h Bock bearing 87°. 

Buoy. —A black conical buoy with a cylindrical top mark marks 
the western side of Le Tendoc. 

About 400 yards south-southeastward of Le Tendoc is a patch of 
3J fathoms, and \ mile 105° from the former is the Basse Vieille 
Maison, with only 3 feet water on it. About 800 yards 115° from 
the 3£ fathom patch just mentioned is a depth of 2^ fathoms. 

Goaltoc’h Bock, about 0.6 mile southward of Petite Fourche, and 
l mile offshore, is large, remarkable, and makes a good landmark. 
There are numerous shoals in its vicinity. 

Basse St. Paul—Buoy. —Basse St. Paul, nearly 0.9 mile west¬ 
ward of Corsen Point, has a depth of 2J fathoms on it, and is marked 
on its western side by a black spindle buoy with a cylindrical top- 
mark, which is 200 yards eastward of the leading line through the 
Four Channel. Basse de Corsen, with 1J fathoms water over it, lies 
about i mile northeastward of this shoal. 

Grande Vinotiere Bock, a rocky ledge, lies 0.7 mile west-north¬ 
westward of Kermorvan Point and in the middle of the Four Chan¬ 
nel. It dries 9 feet at the lowest tides. Shoal water extends about 
200 yards northward and southward and 100 yards eastward of the 
ledge. A rocky pinnacle, of 2£ fathoms, lies 400 yards 140° from the 
tower on the rock, a 3J-fathom patch about 400 yards farther in the 


78 


OHENAL DU FOUR. 


same direction, and there is a depth of 3J fathoms 0.3 mile 56° from 
the tower. The wreck of the steamer Justin lies on the southwestern 
end of the ledge. 

Buoy. —A green conical buoy is moored to mark this wreck. For 
a distance of 1 mile southward from the Grande Yinotiere and about 
parallel with the line of the leading mark through the Four Channel 
depths of from 3£ to 4 fathoms will be found in places. 

On the western side of Grand Yinotiere and between it and the 
shoals extending eastward from Beniguet Isle there is a clear channel 
about 600 yards in width. This channel is now used. 

Light .—From a black octagonal beacon tower, 52 feet in height, 
on Grande Yinotiere Shoal, is exhibited, 49 feet above high water, a 
fixed white light, visible 11 miles in clear weather. The light is 
unwatched. 1 

Light buoy. —A light buoy painted black, exhibiting a fixed white 
light, is moored about 300 yards westward of Grande Yinotiere Rock. 

Lochrist Bock, a pinnacle with 3J fathoms over it at lowest 
water, lies with St. Mathieu Lighthouse bearing 127° nearly 1.4 miles. 

Roche du Tournant, with 3^ fathoms over it, lies about 400 yards 
westward from Lochrist Rock. These rocks, lying directly in the 
fairway, require caution. 

Light buoy.—A light buoy, painted black and exhibiting a fixed 
red light, is moored on the southwestern side of the Roche du 
Tournant. 

Basses Penzers—Buoy. —The Basses Penzers extend about 800 
yards west-south westward from Basse Loquejou, off Pointe de Pen¬ 
zers. The shoalest head has 2 fathoms of water over it, and 200 
yards westward, at the western extremity, the depth is 4 fathoms. A 
black spindle buoy, with cylindrical top mark, is moored southward 
of the western extremity. The red light of Vieux Moines is obscured 
over Basses Penzers. 

Les Vieux Moines is a small patch of rocks, nearly J mile south- 
southwestward of St. Mathieu Point. The northern rock is about 6 
feet high. There is a channel between them and the point, about 
i mile wide, which is used by small vessels. A rock, with 5 fathoms 
over it, named Roche de la Dorade, lies 250 yards south-southwest- 
ward of these rocks. 

Light. —On the southern head of the Yieux Moines, from an 
octagonal black beacon tower, 50 feet high, is exhibited, 49 feet above 
high water, a fixed red light which is visible 6 miles in clear weather. 
The light is unwatched. 

Chenal du Pour—Dangers. —The following rocks and shoals 
border the western side of the channel. 


1 Temporarily extinguished for repairs (1917). 




CHENAL DU FOUR. 


79 


Basse St. Charles lies about 5.2 miles 226° of Le Four Light¬ 
house, with Ploumoguer Church seen over the northern part of 
Goaltoc'h. There is a depth of 6 fathoms over it, but it should be 
avoided, as the sea breaks with violence on it when there is any swell. 
All the shoal water between this shoal and the Platresses breaks in 
heavy weather from the northwestward, especially when the wind 
opposes the stream. 

Basse St. Louis, situated 0.8 mile east-southeastward of Basse 
St. Charles and about 1.5 miles northwest of the northwest rock of 
the Platresses is a small rock, with 2J fathoms water over it, on 
which the sea breaks when there is any swell. Basse Meur, on the 
eastern side of the channel, lies about 2.2 miles 24° from it. About 
0.7 mile southeastward of Basse St. Louis and the same distance 
westward of the leading line through the Chenal du Four, are two 
patches of 2| and 3J fathoms, respectively. 

Clearing* marks.—Trezien mill, in line with Grande Fourche 
Pock, leads northward of Basse St. Louis and Basse St. Charles, and 
Pierres Noires Lighthouse open eastward of Quemenes Isle leads 
eastward of Basse St. Louis. Trezien Lighthouse, bearing 112° open 
north of Goaltoc’h, leads between the Platresses and the Basses St. 
Charles and St. Louis. 

Les Platresses, lying 2.2 miles west-northwestward of Corsen 
Point, are several rocks on a plateau, extending nearly 0.6 mile 
nortli-northwestward and south-southeastward. The northwestern 
rock uncovers 10 feet; the northeastern rock uncovers 12 feet, and 
there is on it a red beacon tower with a light. 

Buoy. —The jutheastern extremity of the shoals is marked by a 
red conical buoy with a conical topmark, moored eastward of the 
southeastern rock, which uncovers 3 feet and is about 900 yards 
westward of the leading line through the channel. 

Platresses Light. —An unwatched light is exhibited at an eleva¬ 
tion of 56 feet from a red beacon tower on the northeastern rock. 
(See Light List.) 

Chaussee des Pourceaux—Buoy.— The north point of these 
shoals, which dries 6 feet and is situated about 2.4 miles 189° from 
the beacon on the Platresses and 1.8 miles west-southwestward from 
Basse St. Paul near the southern entrance of the Chenal de la Helle, 
is marked by a red spindle buoy with a conical topmark. 

Basse Occidentale du Courleau, with 3 feet water on it, lies about 
1 mile southeastward of the north point of the Chaussee des Pour¬ 
ceaux. 

Basse St. Pierre—Buoy. —Bassee St. Pierre lies 1.8 miles 319° 
from Kermorvan Point and about 900 yards westward of the leading 
line through the Chenal du Four. There is a depth of 3 fathoms on 


80 


CHENAL DU FOUR. 


it, and it is marked on its northern side by a red spindle buoy with 
a conical topmark. 

Basse Orientale du Courleau, with 1 fathom water, lies 600 
yards south-southwestward of Basse St. Pierre and 800 yards west¬ 
ward of the line of the leading mark through the channel. 

Roche du Lieu, with 2 \ fathoms on it, is situated nearly 1 mile 
southward of Basse St. Pierre and about 900 yards 298° from Grande 
Vinotiere Beacon. It lies 400 yards westward of the line of the 
leading mark through the channel, and is covered by the sector of 
green light from Corsen Point Lighthouse. 

Roche du Rouget, with 1J fathoms least water, lies 600 yards 193° 
from the Roche du Lieu and west nearly \ mile from Grande 
Vinotiere Beacon. It is about 500 yards westward of the leading 
line through the channel, but about half-way between that line and 
the rock the depth is 3J fathoms. 

Light buoy. —A red light buoy exhibiting a fixed green light is 
moored on the western side of the channel about 400 yards north¬ 
eastward of Rouget Rock and about 600 yards westward of Grande 
Vinotiere. The light is 13 feet above water and visible about 3 miles. 

For a distance of 1.5 miles southward of Rouget Rock there are 
occasional patches with from 2J to 3 fathoms over them, which lie 
from 450 to 800 yards westward of the line of the leading mark 
through the channel. 

Roche de la Fourmi, the southern danger on the western side of 
the channel, is described with the Chaussee des Pierres Noires. 

Fairway reserved for traffic when submarine vessels are 
exercising. —When the flag with a yellow and a red horizontal stripe 
is hoisted at the signal stations or on the vessel escorting submarine 
vessels to indicate that the latter are exercising submerged, all 
vessels wishing to enter or leave the Chenal du Four are earnestly 
requested to make use of the fairway, defined below, in which sub¬ 
marine vessels are prohibited from exercising submerged. 

The fairway is limited as follows: 

On the north, by a line joining Les Platresses to La Valbelle. 

On the south, by the alignment of Pointe de Creac’h Meur and 
Vieux Moines Lighthouse. 

Also, southward of the parallel of Le Four Lighthouse, submarine 
vessels can only exercise submerged when at least 1 mile westward of 
the alignment of St. Mathieu and Kermorvan Lighthouses. 

Tidal streams. —The tidal streams follow the direction of the 
channel nearly everywhere. The flood stream begins in the southern 
part of the channel at low water at Brest, or about one hour before 
high water at Dover, and sets northward; its greatest velocity abreast 
of Kermorvan Point and Grande Vinotiere is from 6 to T knots. 
Abreast the Platresses it is not felt till f hour later; it sets north- 


CHENAL DCT FOUR. 


81 


ward during the first part and then inclines to the northeastward; 
northward of these shoals the velocity is 3 to 4 knots. Near the Four 
Rock the northeast-going stream bends to the eastward and an eddy 
is formed. The ebb stream takes an opposite direction to that of 
the flood, and its velocity is a little greater. 

Northward of the channels between Ushant and the main, and 
eastward to the He de Bas, the streams in the offing set about east- 
northeast and west-southwest, the east-going stream beginning at 
3 hours before high water at Brest, or 2 hours after high water at 
Dover, and the west-going stream about 3 hours after high water 
at Brest or 4 hours before high water at Dover. Near the shore the 
streams follow the general direction of the coast, and turn about 1^ 
hours earlier than in the offing. In the neighborhood of Roches de 
Porsal the east-going stream makes at 2h. 20m. after low water 
at Brest or about 1 hour after high water at Dover, and the west¬ 
going stream at 2h. 20m. after high water at Brest, or about 5 
hours before high water at Dover, each stream attaining a velocity 
of 3 to 4 knots. The streams inshore of the Roches de Porsal turn 
at the times of low and high water at Brest, and attain a velocity of 
5 knots at springs. 

Pilots. —The pilots of l’Abervrac’h and of Correjou are those 
which are most easily picked up when coming from the northeast¬ 
ward. They are licensed to take vessels as far as Brest, and keep 
in the vicinity of Yierge Isle. Those of Porsal are also licensed for 
the Four Channel and Brest entrance; they keep generally in the 
offing of the Four Lighthouse and the Roches de Porsal. Those of 
Conquet are found between the entrance to that place and the Pla- 
tresses, and are usually taken by vessels from the northwestward; 
they can pilot vessels to Le Conquet, Brest, Laberildut, and through 
the Raz de Sein. 

The boats of all the above-mentioned pilots are small, and have an 
anchor painted on the sail. 

Directions. —The Chenal du Four may be used by steamers both 
by day and night when the weather is clear, when the tidal stream in 
the narrow parts will not be strong against the ship, and when the 
depth of water is sufficient. It should not be taken without a pilot 
and should only be navigated by vessels drawing 20 feet and upward 
from 3 hours before to 3 hours after high water. The time of high 
water and the rise of tide in the Chenal de Four being the same as at 
Brest, the tide tables should be consulted before entering the channel. 

By day.—From the northward and being 3 miles westward of Le 
Four Lighthouse, enter the channel with St. Mathieu and Kermor- 
van Lighthouses in line bearing 158°. Steer southward with this 
mark on, passing westward of Basse Meur, La Valbelle, Le Tendoc, 


82 


CHENAL DU FOUR. 


and Basse St. Paul, the last three being eaeh marked by a black 
buoy; and eastward of Basse St. Louis, the rock with 2-J fathoms of 
water over it, Les Platresses, marked by a red tower on northeast 
rock, and a red buoy close off southeast rock, and Chaussee des Pour- 
ceaux, the north point of which is marked by a red buoy. 

When the eastern side of Petite Fourche is in line with the western 
side of Goaltoc’h, the summit of Grand Melgorne being seen be¬ 
tween these two rocks, bearing 7°, keep this mark on astern, which 
leads 400 yards westward of the tower on Grande Vinotiere, east¬ 
ward of Basse St. Pierre, marked by a red buoy, Basse Orientale 
du Courleau, Roche du Lieu, Roche clu Rouget, and 200 yards east¬ 
ward of the light buoy moored westward of Grande Vinotiere. 

Continue with the above mark astern until Les Vieux Moines 
tower is in line with the western Tas de Pois, bearing 128°, when 
alter course, keeping this mark ahead, paying attention to the set of 
the tidal stream; this course leads southwestward of Roche du 
Tournant, marked by a light buoy painted black, until Trezien 
(round white tower) and Kermorvan (square white tower) Light¬ 
houses are in line, bearing 7°, which mark astern leads through the 
southern part of the channel, passing westward of the black buoy of 
the Basse Penzers and eastward of the Roche de la Fourmi, marked 
by a red buoy, and of the Basse du Chenal. 

The following alternative directions are given and may be useful 
in some cases: 

If unable to distinguish the second mark mentioned above (eastern 
side of Petite Fourche in line with western side of Goaltoc’h) con¬ 
tinue with the lighthouses in line, bearing 158°, until Trezien Light¬ 
house is just open northward of Corsen old lighthouse, bearing 20°, 
and keep this mark on astern. 

Or continue with the lighthouses in line, bearing 158°, until 
Grande Vinotiere tower bears 180° and then steer about 188° to pass 
a little nearer the buoy westward of Grande Vinotiere than the tower 
on that rock. 

Either of these two routes leads eastward of Basse St. Pierre, the 
Basse Orientale du Courleau, Le Lieu, and Rouget Rocks, and at the 
distance of about 200 yards the buoy westward of Grande Vinotiere, 
while the tower on Grande Vinotiere is left 400 yards to the east¬ 
ward. 

From westward of Grande Vinotiere continue on one of the two 
above-given directions until the black beacon tower on La Louve 
Rock is in line with the northern end of Le Conquet Jetty, when turn 
to the southeastward and bring Corsen semaphore in line with 
Grande Vinotiere tower, astern, bearing 9°. 

Keep this mark on until Vieux Moines tower is midway between 
the western Tas de Pois and Cap de la Chevre, bearing 133°, if the 


) 


CHENAL DU FOUR. 83 

ebb tidal stream is running, or a little later if it is the flood, or else 
until the lantern of the low light of St. Mathieu is in line with the 
main lighthouse, bearing 111°, or else the southern side of Grand 
Rospect open of Pointe de St. Mathieu. 

Keep either of these last marks on, passing southwestward of 
Roche du Tournant black buoy, until Trezien and Kermorvan Light¬ 
houses are in line bearing 7°, which mark astern leads through the 
southern part of the channel, passing westward of the black buoy of 
the Basse Penzers and eastward of the red buoy marking Fourmi 
Rock. 

Passage eastward of Grande Vinotiere. —Vessels of moderate 
draft may use the passage eastward of Grande Vinotiere in the day¬ 
time, with a suitable rise of tide to permit them to pass over the 
Roche du Fulminante (which has 2 fathoms over it at low water) 
without danger. 

To use this passage, when passing through the Chenal du Four 
with St. Mathieu and Kermorvan Lighthouses in line, keep them so 
until le Four Lighthouse is at least twice its length open westward 
of the Grande Fourche, which mark kept on accurately astern leads 
100 yards westward of the Fulminante Rock to abreast St. Mathieu 
Point, in not less than 19 feet at low water. 

At night. —From the northward, enter the channel with Ker¬ 
morvan Point light (flashing white) and St. Mathieu Point main 
light (fixed white and flashing) in line bearing 158°, and follow this 
alignment until in the white sector of Corsen fixed light. 

Keep in the white sector of Corsen Light, with the light bearing 
14° astern, which leads between the fixed white light of Grande 
Vinotiere light buoy and the fixed green light of the light buoy 
moored about 600 yards to the westward. 

Continue the same course 194°, keeping in the white sector of 
Corsen light, until in the red sector of the fixed additional light of 
St. Mathieu, bearing 134°; then turn two points to port if the flood 
stream is running or three to three and a half points if the ebb 
stream, so as to bring the red sector of Corsen Light in line with the 
white light of Grande Vinotiere bearing 10°. (If the light of 
Grande Vinotiere is extinguished Corsen Light must not be brought 
northward of 10°.) Keep the last mark on until in the white sector 
of St. Mathieu additional light, when alter course to port so as to 
bring the main and additional lights of St. Mathieu in line bearing 
111°, which alignment leads about 400 yards southwestward of Roche 
du Tournant light buoy, which shows a fixed red light. 

In this part of the route the flood tidal stream sets northward, and 
the ebb stream southward, across the track, and as the streams attain 
a velocity of 5 knots it is not always easy to keep a vessel with the 
main and additional lights of St. Mathieu in line, but while in the 


84 


CHENAL DE LA HELLE. 


white sector of the additional light the depths are always orar 25 
feet. 

A little before arriving at the alignment of the lights of Trezien 
(fixed white) and Kermorvan (flashing white) turn to starboard so 
as to bring this alignment on astern without going eastward of it. 
This mark astern bearing 7° leads through the southern part of the 
channel passing eastward of Fourmi Rock and the Basse du Chenal 
and westward of the Basse Penzers and the fixed red light of the 
Vieux Moines. 

Chenal de la Helle, between the Platresses and the Plateau de la 
Helle, is 1.5 miles wide. Its direction is south-southeast and north- 
northwest, and it unites with the Chenal du Four northward of 
Kermorvan Point. 

Vessels making Ushant from the northwest and bound into the 
Chenal du Four may use this channel with advantage, as a pilot may 
generally be picked up off the Baie du Stiff. 

Depths. —The least water in the Chenal de la Helle is 5J fathoms 
at lowest tide on the northern part of a bank 0.7 mile in length and 
from 400 to 1,000 yards in width within the 10-fathom limit, lying 
about a mile westward of the northern part of the Platresses and 
eastward of the line of the leading mark through the channel. The 
southern part of the bank, with 6 fathoms water, is named Basses 
de la Maison Blanche. Elsewhere the water is deep. 

Dangers, eastern side. —The dangers on the eastern side are 
those already described as bordering the western side of the Chenal 
du Four. 

Western side—Plateau de la Helle. —The Plateau de la Helle 
is an extensive bank, 2.3 miles long north-northwest and south-south¬ 
east nearly 1.5 miles wide, and dangerous throughout, as many of 
the rocky heads dry at low water. 

La Helle Rock, on the northwestern side of the plateau, is 25 feet 
high. 

A green spheroconical buoy has been moored 1,600 yards south- 
westward of La Helle Rock, to mark the wreck of the British steamer 
Eildon , with masts showing at low water. 

Le Paix—Tower.— Le Faix Rock, 1,100 yards eastward of La 
Helle Rock, dries 17 feet, and is marked by a red stone beacon tower, 
23 feet high, with triangular topmark. 

The rocks on the southeast side of the Plateau de la Helle are 
named les Chevres, and dry from 8 to 10 feet. A sunken rock lies 
at the extreme edge of the plateau eastward of the latter. 

Les Las ledges, some of which uncover 32 feet, form the southern 
part of the plateau. 

The other dangers on the western side of the Chenal de la Helle, 
viz, the north point of the Chaussee des Pourceaux, marked by a 


PASSAGE DE BENIGUET. 


85 


red buoy, the Basse Occidentale du Courleau, and Basse St. Pierre, 
marked by a red buoy, have been described in connection with the 
Chenal du Four. 

Tidal streams. —The flood stream in this channel sets northeast 
and the ebb west-southwest, at velocities not exceeding 3 knots. At 
about 1J hours before high water a counter stream commences and 
sets between west-southwest and west-northwest toward the islands 
and over the Plateau de la Helle. 

Pilots. —A pilot may generally be found off Baie du Stiff, east end 
of Ushant. 

Directions. —When entering the Chenal de la Helle from the 
northwestward, Stiff Point Lighthouse, open a little northeastward 
of Men Corn, leads northward of the Plateau de la Helle, then 
Pignons de Iveravel over Pointe des Renards, bearing 142°, leads 
through the channel until Molene north mill (white) is just open 
north of Ledenes de Molene Beacon (white), bearing 263°, when keep 
to the eastward until Kermorvan Point Lighthouse is in line with 
Pignons de Iveravel, bearing 143°, which leads into the Four 
Channel. 

The Passe des Las leads from the Chenal de la Helle toward Molene 
Island, passing southward of the Plateau de la Helle. 

The Iroise is the western approach to the Goulet de Brest and 
Douarnenez Bay. The depth of water over the outer part varies 
from 45 to 25 fathoms, but the inner part is encumbered with vari¬ 
ous shoals, the positions of which and the depths of water will be best 
understood by referring to the chart. It is bounded on the north by 
the Chaussee des Pierres Noires, on the south by the Chaussee de 
Sein, commonly called the Saints, the distance across being about 
14.5 miles, and on the east by an irregularly formed promontory, 
which projects westward from the mainland, separating the above 
bay from the approach to and the road of Brest. The northern pro¬ 
jection of the promontory is the Presqu’ile de Kelern, which protects 
Brest Roadstead. 

Passage de Beniguet. —Vessels of 20 feet draft may proceed 
from the Iroise into the Chenal du Four at high water by passing 
northward of the Chaussee des Pierres Noires through the Passage 
de Beniguet. 

Directions. —From the westward, enter between the Basse Occi¬ 
dentale des Pierres Noires and the Cleu Bas Ven, with Ar Christian 
Bras Beacon in line with the south end of Beniguet, until Bossemen 
Oriental is seen northward of Bossemen Occidental and of Pierre des 
Poissons. Steer in that direction 98° passing northward of the latter 
rock, until Pierres Noires Lighthouse is in line with the northern end 
of Kerouroc bearing 250°, which mark astern will lead into the 


86 


PASSAGE DE BENIGUET. 


Chenal du Four between the rocks Ar Men Alec and Ar Heau, in a 
least depth of 6 feet at lowest water. 

Vessels of the above-mentioned draft may also pass northwestward 
of Beniguet into the Chenal du Four at high water, through the 
Passe du Petit Courleau, which leads between Beniguet and Bcl- 
veignou Rock, and between the Grand and Petit Courleau Rocks, 
joining the Chenal du Four northward of Basse St. Pierre. There 
are numerous rocks in this channel between Beniguet and the Bel- 
veignou, and it should not be taken without a pilot. 

Small steamers, with the assistance of the chart, may cross the 
Chaussee des Pierres Noires at high water without danger by passing 
through the Passage de la Siege, between the rocks of La Siege and 
Kerouroc. The passage between Bossemen Oriental and Basse du 
Chenal is also free from danger. Vessels bound to Molene, and wish¬ 
ing to pass between Basse Large and the rock Post ar Ganol, should 
employ a pilot. 

Coast.— The coast from St. Mathieu Point to Pointe de Creac’h 
Meur is rugged with steep cliffs. It then becomes lower and forms 
the Anse de Bertheaume. About 0.6 mile eastward of Pointe de St. 
Mathieu and just eastward of the Rospect Rocks a rocky bank pro¬ 
jects southward 0.3 mile from the shore. The Pignons de Keravel 
are two triangular-shaped whitened landmarks on the highland about 
0.6 mile east-northeastward of St. Mathieu Point. 

Measured distance.— A measured distance of 32,017 feet lies on 
the alignment of Portzic and Petit Minou Lighthouses. The western 
end is with the lighthouses on Kermorvan Point and Les Vieux 
Moines in line bearing 348°, and the eastern with the northwestern 
and southern beacons at Tregana in line bearing 337°. The line of the 
measured distance passes less than J mile southward of Charles Martel 
Rock. 

Note. —Vessels entering Brest with Portzic and Petit Minou Light¬ 
houses in line should keep southward when in the vicinity of the 
measured distance if a French man-of-war is on her speed trials. 
Such a vessel flies the pilot flag above the French flag. 

Beacons.— About 900 yards eastward of St. Mathieu Point are two 
white pyramidal beacons, 800 yards apart in a 337° and opposite 
direction, marking a section of the measured distance. 

Coq Beacon, a white pyramid, surmounted by a ball, stands on the 
cliff 0.8 mile eastward of St. Mathieu Lighthouse and near Fort St. 
Merzin. In line with the Pignons de Keravel it points to Le Coq 
Rock. 

Semaphore.— -A semaphore is established on Creac’h Meur Point. 

For signal respecting submarine vessels see Chapter I. 


ANSE DE BERTHEAUME. 


87 


Anse de Bertheaume, comprised between the points of Creac’h 
Meur and Grand Minou, affords anchorage only in northerly winds. 
It is open to southwesterly winds and the holding ground is bad. 

Dangers.—The Plate Rock, with 4£ fathoms water on it at lowest 
tides, lies about 600 yards 96° from the Chateau de Bertheaume, and 
foul ground, on which several rocks dry at low water, extend £ mile 
from the northern side of the bay. At the edge of the foul ground 
and 1,100 yards 28° from the Chateau de Bertheaume is Pecheur 
Rock, with 1J fathoms on it at low water. Le Chat Rock, which dries 
22 feet, lies 200 yards 28° northeast of the Chateau de Bertheaume. 
There are numerous forts in this vicinity. 

Lemonnier House, on the rising ground at the northern part of the 
bay, is a good landmark, and Becot House, white, southwestward of 
it, is used as a mark for the Chenal du Corbeau. 

Anchorage may be had in from 5 to 6 fathoms, sand, northeast¬ 
ward of the Chateau de Bertheaume, with Petit Minou Lighthouse 
seen in the gap between the rock (67 feet high) forming the point of 
Grand Minou, and the land bearing 95°, and Creac’h Meur Point 
seen in the gap between Chateau de Bertheaume and the coast bear¬ 
ing 227°. If deeper water is required, anchorage should be taken 
farther out on the line toward Grand Minou, on which line, about 
0.7 mile from the Chateau de Bertheaume, is a white mooring buoy 
for the use of vessels of war. 

Beacons.—A short distance eastward of the semaphore on Creac'h 
Meur Point are two white pyramidal beacons about 550 yards apart 
in a 340° and opposite direction, marking a section of the measured 
distance. 

The Tregana beacons, three in number, at the eastern side of the 
bay, are white. One is situated near the shore, the two others about 
600 yards to the northward of it, and they form two alignments, 
337° and 1°, also for marking sections of the measured distance. 

Telegraph cables.— A submarine cable has been laid to Cape 
Cod; one to St. Pierre, Newfoundland, and thence to New York; and 
one to Dakar. The first two cables, about £ mile apart, are laid in 
a 225° direction from the cable house on the eastern side of Anse 
de Bertheaume, the first cable for a distance of 3 miles, the other of 
4 miles; from these positions the cables trend 250°. Anchorage is 
prohibited in their vicinity, and also near the bay between Grand 
and Petit Minou Points. 

[Light._On Petit Minou Point, at the northern side of the en¬ 

trance of the Goulet de Brest, from a circular tower, 79 feet in 
height, its southwestern side painted white, is exhibited, 105 feet 
above high water, a fixed white and red light. The white light is 
visible 16 miles and the red light 12 miles. (See Light List.) 


21235°—17-7 


/ 



88 


SOUTHERN APPROACH TO BREST. 


Southern approach to Brest.—Pointe du Raz, the most south¬ 
erly point in the approach to Brest, at the entrance of the Raz de 
Sein, is high, and on top of its cliffs is an old lighthouse, a square 
tower 49 feet high, now used as a semaphore. Here the land rises 
to an elevation of 228 feet, and, 1.5 miles eastward of the point, to 
260 feet. 

La Vieille. —A chain of rocks extends 275° from Pointe du Raz 
for | mile; the largest, on which stands a lighthouse, is named La 
Vieille or Gorlebella. 

La Plate. —About 300 yards southwest from La Vieille and f mile 
from the shore is La Plate, which is the outer danger, and uncovers 
11 feet at lowest water. 

Light.—On La Plate is a red beacon tower 85 feet in height, from 
which is exhibited a fixed green light, elevated 70 feet above high 
water, and visible 3 miles. The light is unwatched. 

A rock with 3 fathoms on it lies 250 yards northwest of La Vieille, 
and between the latter and the point are the Gorlegreiz and Gorleic, 
above water, and numerous other rocks, sunken and uncovering. All 
these rocks are steep-to. 

La Vieille Rock Light. —From the lighthouse on La Vieille 
Rock, a rectangular masonry tower 78 feet in height, is exhibited, 108 
feet above high water, an occulting white, red, and green light. (See 
Light List.) There is a life-saving appliance at the lighthouse. 

Pog signal. —The fog signal consists of a trumpet operated by 
compressed air. 

Coast. —From Pointe du Raz the coast trends eastward for nearly 
1.5 miles and then northward for 1.2 miles to Pointe du Van, forming 
Trepasses Bay, which has a sandy beach at its head. 

Beacons. —The landing place of the telegraph cable from lie de 
Sein at the head of the bay, on the southern side, is marked by two 
blue and white striped beacons, with white circular top mark, in line 
bearing 119°. Vessels should not anchor nor use a dragnet on this 
alinement. 

Pointe du Van, on the western side of which is the small chapel of 
St. They, lies 1.7 miles northeast of Pointe du Raz, and is the north¬ 
ern limit of the Raz de Sein on the eastern side. It is surrounded by 
dangers which extend 1 mile westward and about 400 yards north¬ 
ward. Two conspicuous rocks, Le C’hlec and Le Van, lie a short 
distance northward of the point. A sunken rock lies 200 yards out¬ 
side the latter rock. About 800 yards 98° from St. They Chapel is 
a conspicuous mill. Troguer Mill, 0.9 mile 118° from the chapel, can 
hardly be seen from seaward. 

Dangers. —The principal dangers westward of Point du Van are 
St. They Islet, with rocks around, close to the west side of the point, 
with Basse St. They, awash at low water, 800 yards 238° from the 


SOUTHERN APPROACH TO BREST, 


89 


islet; about 300 yards westward of Basse St. They is a sunken rock 
with less than 6 feet water. Comoc an Treas, which dries 2 feet, lies 
0.8 mile 248° from the western extremity of Pointe du Yan. Basse 
Nord-Ouest, with 2J fathoms, 400 yards 6° from the last-mentioned 
rock, has two rocks outside it, one with 1J fathoms and the other with 
3 fathoms water; the latter is the outermost danger, and lies 1 mile 
westward of the point. Halfway between the outer danger and the 
northern extremity of the point is Basse Burel, awash at low water. 
La Vieille Light is only seen faintly over these dangers. 

Basse Jaime—Buoy. —Nearly 1 mile 22° from Pointe du Van is 
the Basse Jaune or Basvelenn, a rock which dries 3 feet at lowest 
water, with 3J to 9 fathoms around it. A spindle buoy, painted with 
black and red bands, with a spherical top mark, is moored southwest- 
ward of the rock. There is a deep channel between the rock and the 
point. The old lighthouse (semaphore) on Pointe du Raz, well open 
westward of Pointe du Yan, bearing 190°, leads 0.6 mile westward of 
the rock, and La Vieille Lighthouse, in line with Le C’hlec, bearing 
226°, leads southeastward. 

Pen Hir Point, lying nearly 12 miles 18° from Pointe du Yan, is 
steep and forms very fine black cliffs. The coast continues abrupt 
northward to Toulinguet Point, curving eastward between and form¬ 
ing a bay, Anse de Pen Hat, at the head of which is a sandy beach at 
low water. 

Semaphore. —A semaphore is placed on Pen Hir Point. 

For signals respecting submarine vessels, see Chapter I. 

Les Tas de Pois (Ar Berniou Pez) are four large high rocks, 
from 123 to 192 feet high, and one smaller rock, La Fourche, with a 
double summit 31 feet high, lying off the southern part of Pen Hir 
Point in a southwest direction. They are visible from a great dis¬ 
tance. The westernmost rock, the Tas de Pois Occidental, 146 feet 
high, is J mile from the point. 

Pointe du Toulinguet, l.T miles northward of Pen Hir Point, is 
bordered by a ledge of sunken rocks extending off about 250 yards, 
and a rock named Roche du Crabe, with 4J fathoms water on it at 
lowest tide, lies about 600 yards 6° from the point. 

Semaphore.—A semaphore is placed on the top of the cliff, nearly 
0.9 mile eastward of Toulinguet Point. 

Light.—On Pointe du Toulinguet, from a square turret 39 feet 
in height, with a dwelling, is exhibited, 161 feet above highwater, an 
occulting white and red light. The white light is visible 15 miles 
and the red light 11 miles. (See Light List.) 

La Louve—Tower.—La Louve Rock, about 200 yards off Toulin¬ 
guet Point, is marked by a red beacon tower with a conical top 
mark, 13 feet above high water. About 200 yards west-southwest- 
ward of La Louve is Le Louveteau, a rock with 3^ fathoms on it* 



90 


ANSE DE CAMERET. 


Basse de La Louve, a rocky patch with 2J fathoms on it, lies 600 
yards 231° from Toulinguet Point, and 200 yards northeast of Le 
Pohen. To avoid the Basse, large vessels pass very close to Le Pohen. 

Anchorage. —In the bay southward of Toulinguet Point there is 
open anchorage during easterly winds and in fine weather in 6 to 7 
fathoms, sand and shells, with Toulinguet Lighthouse bearing about 
343°, distant ^ mile. 

The coast from Toulinguet Point to Pointe du Grand Gouin, 1.3 
miles east-northeastward, is high and consists of steep cliffs. It forms, 
about halfway, a small bay named Portz Naye, above which, near the 
semaphore, the land attains a height of 187 feet. Between Portz 
Naye and Grand Gouin Point there are several rocks, from 100 to 
300 yards from the shore, that dry from 6 to 15 feet at lowest water. 

Anse de Cameret is between Grand Gouin Point and Capucins 
Point, 2 miles north-northeastward of it. The bay is about 1 mile 
deep and free from danger. Castor Bock, with a depth of 5 fathoms 
on it at lowest tides, lies about \ mile 231° from Capucins Point. 

The small tidal port of Camaret is in the southwestern corner of 
the bay, but it is only adapted for small vessels, which lie sheltered 
from all winds. The port, which is now almost abandoned, is pro¬ 
tected by a mole, named Sillon Jetty, having near its extremity a 
chapel and an old brick fort. It dries from 6 to 8 feet at lowest water 
over the greatest part and affords good grounding places. Vessels 
drawing less than 12 feet enter the port, but can not at times approach 
the quays. The bay affords shelter from all except northerly and 
westerly winds. Its situation renders it a refuge for vessels which 
are prevented by heavy weather, adverse winds, or currents from en¬ 
tering the Goulet of Brest. 

A chain nearly a mile in length is laid in the bay so as to pick up 
the anchors of vessels that may drag. It commences about 600 yards 
296° from Ste. Barbe Point and curves southward and westward to 
a position southward of Sillon Jetty. Its center and ends are marked 
by white buoys. 

There are numerous batteries along the shore. 

Light •—A fixed green light, 35 feet above high water, is exhibited 
from the lighthouse, a white masonry turret 30 feet high at the end 
of Sillon Jetty, and should be seen 4 miles. (See Light List.) 

Anchorage. —Large vessels may anchor in from 8 to 9 fathoms, 
with Toulinguet Lighthouse in line with Grand Gouin Point and 
Petit Minou Lighthouse, bearing 338°, or Camaret Lighthouse, bear¬ 
ing 190°. Anchorage in 6 fathoms may be had \ mile farther south¬ 
ward, and for small vessels eastward of the end of Sillon Jetty; but 
in the inner part of the bay anchorage should always be taken west¬ 
ward of the chain marked by white buoys, mentioned above. 


IBOISE. 


91 


Buoys.—There are several mooring buoys in the bay. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed at Camaret, where there is 
also a line-throwing gun. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at Camaret at 3h. 46m.; 
springs rise 23J feet, neaps 18J feet, above lowest water, which is 4r} 
feet below low water of ordinary springs. Ordinary springs range 
19 feet, neaps 84 feet. 

The coast of Kelern Peninsula is high and steep. Pointe des 
Capucins, the southeastern entrance point of the Goulet de Brest, 
may be easily recognized by the masonry fort on an islet at its base 
and by a dwelling which shows above the high cliffs forming the 
point. Banc Exterieur, with 7 fathoms water, lies 0.7 mile west- 
Southwestward of Capucins Islet. 

Dangers, northern side of Iroise.—On the northern side of the 
approach to the Goulet de Brest, besides the Chaussee des Pierres 
Noires, previously described, are the undermentioned rocks: 

Le Coq Bock—Buoy.—Le Coq Rock is steep-to, dries 5 feet at 
lowest water, and lies about 1.7 miles east-southeastward of St. 
Mathieu Point and 0.7 mile off-shore, with Coq Beacon in line with 
the Pignons de Keravel. About 200 yards southward of the Coq 
is a rock with 5 fathoms over it, and 300 yards northward a rock 
with 54 fathoms. The Coq Rock is marked on its southern side by 
a conical black buoy with a cylindrical top mark. 

Clearing mark.—The northern end of Beniguet Isle open of St. 
Mathieu Point leads southwestward of Le Coq Rock. At night Les 
Vieux Moines Light in sight leads southward of the rock. 

Magellan Bock, with 1| fathoms on it and 8 fathoms around, 
lies 600 yards 34° from Le Coq Rock and 800 yards off-shore. 

Charles Martel Bock—Buoy.—Charles Martel Rock, with a 
depth of 2 fathoms on it at lowest water, lies 1.2 miles 94° from Le 
Coq Rock. It is marked on its southern side by a spindle buoy painted 
black and white in horizontal bands, with a diamond top mark. 

Basse Beuzec—Buoy.—Basse Beuzec is a patch with 1 fathom 
over it, lying 300 yards 57° from Charles Martel Rock, with the 
Chateau de Bertheaume bearing 2° distant rather more than a mile. 
About 200 yards 40° from this patch is a rock with a depth of 3} 
fathoms over it at lowest water. Basse Beuzec is marked on its 
southeastern side by a black conical buoy with a cylindrical top mark. 

Clearing marks.—Petit Minou and Portzic Lights in line lead 
southward of the above-mentioned rocks, as also does the light of 
Les Vieux Moines kept in sight. 

Shoal water extends 600 yards southward from the shore between 
Grand and Petit Minou Points and 250 yards southward of the 
latter. 


92 


iboise. 


Plougastel steeple on the high land behind the Rade de Brest in 
line with Mengam Rock Lighthouse, bearing 75°, or the western end 
of the detached breakwater of the refuge harbor just open south¬ 
ward of Portzic Point, leads southward of these banks. 

Dangers in center of Iroise.—A chain of rocks and shoals ex¬ 
tends about 7.5 miles west-soutliwestward from Toulinguet Point. 
Care must be taken to avoid them in thick weather; both streams set 
strongly over them, the south-going stream beginning about half an 
hour after high water at Brest, and the north-going stream half an 
hour after low water there. There are several passages between the 
rocks, which should not be attempted without local knowledge. These 
rocks are covered by a sector of red light shown from the lighthouse 
on Pointe du Toulinguet and those eastward of La Parquette by a 
sector of red light from the beacon on that rock also. 

Numerous rocky heads, with 6 to 10 fathoms over them at low 
water, lie scattered about in the neighborhood of the dangers de¬ 
scribed below; their positions will be best seen by reference to the 
charts. 

La Vandree Buoys. —La Vandree, the outermost of these shoals, 
is a small patch with 1 fathom of water over it, marked on its north¬ 
ern side by a conical buoy, painted black and white in horizontal 
bands, surmounted by a diamond topmark moored 200 yards 8° from 
the rock. A conical buoy painted black and white in horizontal 
bands, surmounted by 2 cones, bases together, is moored 1,300 yards 
westward of the rock. The rock lies 2.1 miles 246° from La Parquette 
Beacon Tower, and is situated near the center of a ridge of foul 
ground, nearly 2 miles in length east and west, with depths of less 
than 20 fathoms on it. There is a wreck on La Vandree. 

That part of the ridge which extends 1 mile westward from La 
Vandree Rock has depths of from 10 to 19 fathoms over it. It is 
steep-to on its west and south sides, and should be carefully avoided, 
as there is a heavy sea over it in bad weather. 

La Goemant—Buoy.— Le Goemant, with 2J fathoms on it, lies J 
mile 92° from the Vandree, and on the southern edge of the ridge 
above mentioned. A rocky patch of 9 fathoms lies 1 mile east- 
northeastward of it. A conical buoy, painted red and white in hori¬ 
zontal bands and surmounted by a top mark of two cones, points 
together, is moored about 200 yards 31° from Le Goemant. 

L’Astrolabe, with 4£ fathoms on it, lies £ mile 33° from La 
Vandree. 

La Boussole, with 5£ fathoms over it, lies about 100 yards 62° from 
L’Astrolabe, with a depth of 15 fathoms between them. 

La Parquette—Tower. —La Parquette Rock, which uncovers 16 
feet and is marked by a red beacon tower with a light on it, lies 


iboise. 


93 


about 2.1 miles 66° of the Yandree. A small isolated rock that dries 
3 feet at lowest water lies 250 yards east-northeastward of the tower. 
The Basse de la Parquette, a patch with 1 fathoms water on it, lies 
850 yards 96° from the tower; and L’Araignee Rock, with 3J fathoms 
over it, 600 yards farther in the same direction, with depths of 5J 
to 9 fathoms between them. The tower has been partially destroyed 
by the sea and the light is no longer exhibited. The remains of the 
tower show about 6 feet above high water. 

Le Trepied—Buoy. —Le Trepied, about 2 miles east-northeast¬ 
ward of La Parquette Beacon, dries 10 feet at lowest water, and is 
situated in the center of a rocky plateau about 0.6 mile in length, 
on which the depths are from 6 to 10 fathoms; there is a head of 4f 
fathoms close north'ward of the rock. It is the northernmost of these 
shoals and is marked on its northern side by a red buoy with a conical 
top mark. 

Louzaouennou Rock, dries 1 foot, and is situated J mile 186° 
from the Trepied. A 3f-fathom patch lies about 250 yards north- 
northwestward of this rock, and the Basse de Louzaouennou, with 
3^ fathoms over it, 300 yards to the south-southeastward. 

Le Corbeau, about 0.6 mile 141° from the Trepeid, is a very small 
steep rock which dries 12 feet. La Corneille Rock, with 4 fathoms 
over it, lies about 200 yards 29° from the Corbeau. 

Pontchou, about 800 yards 65° from Le Corbeau, has two rocky 
heads, which dry 3 and 2 feet, respectively, at lowest water. About 
100 yards 298° from the western and highest head is a depth of 2J 
fathoms, and 250 yards 253° a patch of 4f fathoms. The channel 
between Pontchou and Le Corbeau is named the Chenal, or Passage 
du Corbeau. 

Pontchou and the rocks mentioned below, including the Rochers 
du Toulinguet, arise from a flat, on which the general depths are 
from 8 to 10 fathoms, extending west-southwestward from the shore 
between Pen Hir and Toulinguet Points. 

Le Corbin, about 1.3 miles west-southward of Toulinguet Point, is 
a flat-topped rock 6 feet high. There is a patch of 1£ fathoms about 
350 yards north-northwestward of it, with other rocks between. 
Westward, southward, and southeastward are numerous rocks at 
distances of from 100 to 300 yards, some of which dry from 3 to 6 
feet. A rock, with 4J fathoms over it, lies 300 yards 29° from the 
Corbin. 

Le Petit Leac’h.—Tower. —Le Petit Leac’h, a rock which un¬ 
covers 6 feet and is marked by a black beacon tower with a cylindrical 
top mark, 13 feet above high water, lies about 400 yards 163° from the 
Corbin. Close southward of the beacon tower the depth is 1J 
fathoms. The Chenal or Passage du Petit Leac’h lies eastward of 
this rock and westward of Pelen and the Rochers du Toulinguet. 


94 


iroise. 


Pelen—Tower. —Pelen is a rock above water, on which is a stone 
tower, painted in white and black bands, with a diamond top mark 
13 feet above high water, lying 1.6 miles 225° from Toulinguet 
Point. Pocks extend 200 yards northward of it and 400 yards 
southward, the southern patch being the Basse de Sud with 1 foot 
water on it. 

Mendufa Bian, a rock which dries 7 feet, lies nearly £ mile 17° 
from Pelen. About 250 yards northward of this rock is the Basse 
Mendufa, which has 2 fathoms water over it. 

Buoy. —A spar buoy, painted in white and red horizontal bands 
and surmounted by a top mark of two cones, points together, is 
moored about 150 yards to northward of Basse Mendufa, on the 
eastern side of the Chenal du Petit Leac’h. 

B,ochers du Toulinguet form a plateau extending J mile north- 
northeast and south-southwest. On it, and about 0.6 mile 231° from 
Toulinguet Point, is a group of rocks from 80 to 120 feet high, the 
largest of which, named the Toulinguet, is remarkable and has an 
arch through it. On the north-northeastern end of the plateau is 
Le Pohen Pock, 15 feet high, and steep-to on its eastern side. At 
the southwest end of the plateau there are depths of 3J and 4} 
fathoms. About 400 yards eastward of Le Pohen Pock is a depth of 
4J fathoms, sand. 

A chain of shoals extends about 9.5 miles west-southwestward from 
Pen Hir Point, nearly parallel to the chain above described as 
extending from Toulinguet Point. 

Basse du Laborieux, the westernmost of these shoals, is of small 
extent, with 5 fathoms water over it. It lies 5.7 miles 224° from 
La Parquette Beacon tower. 

Basse de Plroise, with 4 fathoms water, lies 1.9 miles 69° from 
the Laborieux and 2.5 miles 188° from the Vandree. The sea breaks 
heavily on both these shoals in bad weather. 

A shoal with a depth of 8 fathoms lies about 1.3 miles 80° from 
Basse de Plroise. 

Basse du Lis—Buoy. —Basse du Lis, with 1 to 4 fathoms water, 
lies nearly 2.5 miles east-northeast from Basse de l’lroise. It is 
marked on its southwestern side by a large red conical buoy with a 
conical top mark. The shoal is nearly £ mile in length, 51° and 231°. 
It is steep-to, with 18 to 20 fathoms around, but a patch of 9 fathoms 
lies 400 yards 243° from it. 

About 800 yards 84° from the eastern shoal head of the Basse du 
Lis is a patch of 5| fathoms, and about 1.1 miles 73° from the same 
head is Basse Pozen, with 5 fathoms on it, small in extent, and nearlv 
1,200 yards west by south of the southwestern rock of Basse 
Menehom. 


iroise. 


95 


Basse Menehom forms a chain of shoals extending f mile 51° 
from its southwestern rock. There are three heads—the Roche du 
Sud-ouest, with 1^ fathoms; the middle rock, with 4 fathoms; and 
the Roche du Nord-est, with 3J fathoms. About 800 yards 61° 
from the northeastern rock is a rock with 3J fathoms, and 600 yards 
farther in the same direction is Basse Poulmalcote, with a depth of 
3f fathoms on it. The sector of red light from Toulinguet Point 
Lighthouse covers these dangers. 

Tidal streams in Iroise. —The Iroise is crossed by tidal streams 
which attain a velocity of 4 to 5 knots at springs and set on all the 
shoals, rendering great caution necessary in making Ushant or 
Pierres Noires Lighthouse, especially with the flood or north-going 
stream. The varying velocity of the streams, caused by winds, ren¬ 
ders the navigation of the Iroise difficult in thick weather, when it is 
recommended to anchor if practicable. 

The flood stream crosses the Chaussee des Pierres Noires and sets 
north-northeastward and northeastward in the Fromveur, the Four, 
and through all the openings in the Chaussee des Pierres Noires. Its 
velocity is about 4 knots at springs in the middle of the Iroise, but it 
increases on approaching the Fromveur, the Pierres Noires, and the 
Four, and attains there a velocity of 6 to 7 knots. The ebb stream sets 
between south-southwest and southwest toward the Chaussee de Sein 
at a velocity equal to that of the flood. 

Chaussee de Sein, commonly called the Saints, is an extensive 
cluster of islands, rocks, and shoals, occupying a space of 12 miles 
in length in 96° and opposite direction, and of an average breadth of 
1.2 miles; it forms the southern side of the Iroise. The whole of the 
chaussee is covered by the green sector of La Vieille Light. 

Haut Fond Fouquet. —On the parallel of Pointe de l’Ervily, 
about 19.5 miles 270° of it and about 3.5 miles 172° from the Roche 
Occidentale, the western danger of the Chaussee de Sein, is a patch 
with 18 fathoms water over it, named Haut Fond Fouquet, on which 
it is said the sea occasionally breaks. It is of small extent and has 26 
to 33 fathoms close-to. 

Roche Occidentale. —The part of the Chaussee de Sein lying 
westward of Ar Men Rock is named the Basse Froide, and has nu¬ 
merous rocks on it, some of which uncover. The westernmost dan¬ 
ger, Roche Occidentale, has 3f fathoms over it at low water, and 
from it Ar Men Lighthouse bears 98°, a little over 3 miles, and 
Creac’h Point Lighthouse, Ushant, 355° distant 24 miles. 

Font de Sein is that part of the chaussee extending about 4.5 
miles westward from the lie de Sein, and is studded with rocks more 
or less above water. The largest of these, Eurudi Rock, is always 
above water, and lies on the northern edge of the chaussee, 1.3 miles 
298° from lie de Sein Lighthouse. 


96 


CHAUSSEE DE SEIN. 


Under faverable conditions of wind and tide the chaussee may be 
crossed close eastward of Ar Men Lighthouse, but a pilot is indis¬ 
pensable. The eddies are strong, and when the stream sets against 
the wind a heavy sea is caused. Three passages practicable for fisher¬ 
men lead across the Pont de Sein. 

Caution. —The Chaussee de Sein should be given a wide berth, as 
little or no warning can be obtained by the lead, there being from 
about 30 to 40 fathoms, rock and broken shells, within a mile of the 
west end and north side of the bank. The tidal streams are strong 
in its vicinity, and probably all the dangers are not yet known. 

Ar Men Light.—About 3.5 miles from the western extremity of 
the Chaussee de Sein and 5.2 miles 274° from lie de Sein Lighthouse 
is Ar Men Pock, on which is a lighthouse, a circular tower 110 feet in 
height. From it is exhibited, 94 feet above high water, a flashing 
white light visible 15 miles. 

Fog signal. —During thick or foggy weather a hand reed horn is 
sounded. The horn can only be heard a short distance, and rarely 
from the end of the Chaussee de Sein. 

lie de Sein, near the eastern end of the chaussee, is about 1.5 miles 
in length southeast and northwest, and consists of a narrow band of 
rocks, low, flat, and inhabited by about 700 fishermen, who live in the 
little village Ar Gador, situated on the eastern part of the isle, 
which is a little higher than the rest of it. There are no resources, 
not even good water. The industry is the lobster fishery, which at¬ 
tracts in summer a fairly large number of boats from the vicinity. 
At its northeastern part is a small harbor, with gravel and mud bot¬ 
tom, which dries at low tide. It is frequented by fishing vessels and 
coasters, but the many rocky ledges render its approach dangerous 
to strangers. Kelourou, an islet off the southeast end of the island, 
is 31 feet high. 

Landmarks—Beacons. —Near the western point of He de Sein 
is a white tower, 33 feet in height, and on the northern point the 
lighthouse. Northward of the village, on Ar Gador Point, is a mill 
without roof and arms. The northern building of the village is the 
church, which has a low tower. 

Men Brial Lighthouse, situated on a high rock eastward of the 
church, is a white masonry tower. 

Nerroth Rock, 15 feet high, 400 yards northeastward of Men Brial, 
rises from a rocky ledge extending north and south, and is marked 
by a white pyramidal beacon, with a similar beacon northward of it 
at the edge of the ledge. 

About 0.9 mile eastward of the northern Nerroth Beacon is a rock 
surmounted by a black beacon tower with cylindrical top mark, 10 
feet above high water, marking the south side of entrance to the 
eastern channel. 


OHAUSSEE DE SEIN. 


97 


Penic Pock, 0.6 mile 96° from Men Brial, is marked by a beacon 
with black and red horizontal bands. 

Two beacons, one red and one black, mark a channel eastward of 
the lighthouse, between it and Baselmet Pock. 

A red beacon, the top of which is 22 feet above high water, is 
erected on the western edge of Goulvanic Ledge, about 1 mile west¬ 
ward of the island, marking the eastern side of the southern entrance 
to a passage through the chaussee. 

Other conspicuous rocks are: Gouelvan, 24 feet high, situated 400 
yards northeast of Kelourou; Ezaudi, 14 feet high, nearly 0.8 mile 
east-northeastward of the lighthouse; Baselmet, about J mile south- 
westward of Ezaudi; and Penhara, 11 feet high, about £ mile east- 
northeastward of Nerroth Pock and £ mile inside the northeastern 
edge of the chaussee. 

The outer beacons are liable to be destroyed in bad weather. 

Light—Men Brial.—From a white masonry tower, on the site of 
the former beacon, is exhibited an occulting light, with white, red, 
and green sectors. The light is elevated 52 feet above high water, 
and is visible 8, 5, and 4 miles, respectively, and is unwatched. (See 
Light List.) 

Dangers.—The following are the principal dangers on the eastern 
and northeastern sides of the Chaussee de Sein, bordering the Paz: 

Pont des Chats, a reef extending 1.4 miles 118° from Kelourou, 
is studded with rocks, some of which uncover. The rock named 
Le Chat (Ar C’haz) on the southern side is awash at high water. 
A wreck lies near the southeastern extremity of the reef. 

About 200 yards 118° from the Pont des Chats is the Tete du Chat, 
a patch of 4J fathoms. 

A chain of sunken rocks extends north-northwestward for f mile 
from the eastern end of the Pont des Chats, ending in Basse Douar- 
meurus, with 5 feet of water. Nearly 0.7 mile northwestward of 
the latter is the rock surmounted by a black tower, previously men¬ 
tioned, on the south side of the eastern channel entrance, and between 
them lie Melegan Pock with 1J fathoms on it and Plassou Normand, 
which dries 9 feet and has a sunken rock about 200 yards eastward 
of it. Northwestward of the eastern channel entrance are the 
Bouguinou, the shoalest head of which is awash at low water, and 
Ar Yas du, 5 feet high. A rock with 1J fathoms on it lies on the 
eastern side of Ezaudi Channel entrance, 260 yards 90° from Corno- 
can ar Braden. 

Cornocan ar Braden—Buoy. —This rock, northward of the port 
of the He de Sein, is at the entrance of the Ezaudi Channel, and is 
marked on its northern side by a red spindle buoy, surmounted by a 


cone. 


98 


ILE IDS SEIN< 


The above dangers lie close to the edge of the chaussee and are 
steep-to. 

lie de Sein Light. —The lighthouse on the northern point of the 
lie de Sein is a round tower, 142 feet in height, the upper part painted 
black and the lower part white; it exhibits 148 feet above high water 
a flashing white light, visible 18 miles. (See Light List.) 

lie de Sein—Radio fog signal experimentally established.— 
A radio fog signal has been experimentally established at lie de Sein 
Lighthouse. It consists of the transmission, in foggy weather, of 
signals which will produce in the telephones the musical note G 
one octave above the G next above the middle C of the pianoforte 
(783 double vibrations per second), and giving ten repetitions of the 
letter S of the Morse alphabet during 13 seconds, followed by a 
pause of 27 seconds. The radius of the signal is about 30 miles, and 
the wave length about 120 meters. 

Pilots. —The pilots of the lie de Sein are unable to cruise in the 
Raz de Sein, and can only board any vessel requiring their services 
in fine weather and at slack water. Their boats are distinguished by 
an anchor painted on the sail. In heavy weather, whatever the direc¬ 
tion of the wind, obtaining a pilot from the isle must not be con¬ 
sidered probable, and numerous disasters have occurred from 
mariners approaching the Raz de Sein believing it possible to get a 
pilot there. 

Channels leading to road. —There are three channels through 
the northeastern part of the chaussee which lead to the road of the 
lie de Sein, but they should not be taken without a pilot. 

Ezaudi Channel, the westernmost and widest of the three, has a 
least depth of 15 feet, and is practicable for vessels of 13 feet draft 
at any time of tide. The tidal streams set across it. 

Directions. —Men Brial Lighthouse in line with the third house 
(white, with a single window in the gable) from the east of the 
village, bearing 187°, leads to the anchorage, passing eastward of the 
red buoy marking Cornocan ar Braden and of the Ezaudi Rock. 

Another mark, Baselmet and Ezaudi Rocks in line 227°, leads 
through the entrance, and when Men Brial and the white house come 
in line, proceed as before directed. 

Ar Vas du Channel, in which the least depth is said to be 16 
feet, is bordered with rocks, and the tidal streams set across it. Ves¬ 
sels of 10 feet draft can use it at any time of tide. 

Directions. —The lighthouse, on Men Brial in line with the 
southern white beacon on Nerroth Rock bearing 224°, leads in, pass¬ 
ing westward of Ar Var du Rock, 5 feet high. When within 300 
yards of Nerroth steer northward of it to the mooring buoy in the 
road. 


AR YAS DU CHANNEL. 


99 


Eastern Channel, with a least depth on the leading mark of 1J 
fathoms, is very narrow and should only be used at slack water, as the 
tidal streams set strongly across it. 

Directions. —The northern white beacon on Nerroth in line with 
the white tower at the western end of the lie de Sein bearing 265°, 
leads in, passing northward of the black tower, on a rock at the en¬ 
trance previously mentioned, and of a rock that uncovers. The rock 
of 1J fathoms in mid-channel may be avoided by keeping southward 
of the leading line when Penic Pock is nearly in line with Goulevan, 
returning to the leading line when the latter opens westward of the 
former. When within 100 yards of Nerroth steer northward of that 
rock for anchorage or the mooring buoys. 

Road. —The road of the He de Sein lies northward of Ar Gador 
Point, and is about 600 yards in length north and south, with depths 
of from 2 to 3J fathoms. The anchorage is indifferent, but there are 
two mooring buoys in the road. Vessels should not remain a night in 
{he road unless in fine settled weather. A strong northerly wind ren¬ 
ders the approaches impracticable. 

Life saving. —A lifeboat is stationed at the port of the lie de 
Sein, and there are life-saving appliances at the lighthouses on the 
island and Ar Men Pock. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
lie de Sein, at 3 h. 36 m.; springs rise 22 feet and neaps 17 feet 
above lowest water, which is about 4J feet below the level of low- 
water ordinary springs; ordinary springs range 17J feet, neaps 7^ 
feet. The flood stream sets northeastward over the chaussee at a 
velocity of about 6 knots at springs. It attains its greatest velocity 
at half. tide. The ebb stream sets between west-southwestward and 
south-southwestward, and it is not quite as strong as the flood. In 
the pass eastward of Ar Men Rock the flood stream begins J hour 
before low water at lie de Sein, and the ebb at the time of high water 
there. Northward and northwestward of the western extremity of 
the chaussee the flood stream sets northeastward 1J knots and the ebb 
south west ward about 1 knot. 

The time of high water and the tidal rise in the Paz are the same 
as at the lie de Sein. 

In the Paz de Sein the tidal streams attain a velocity of 6 or 7 
knots an hour at spring tides and 3 to 4 knots at neaps, but the 
velocity decreases quickly out of the channel toward the Bardlets in 
the north and the Pont des Chats in the south. In the middle of the 
channel the streams turn \ hour before high and low water at the 
lie de Sein. In the vicinity of the Vieille the flood stream begins 
J hour before low water. 

The first of the flood stream, from the Vieille, sets northwestward 
between Tevennec and lie de Sein. It then sets directly on the 


100 


TAVENNEC EOCK. 


Barillets till half tide, after which till high water it sets north- 
northeast between the Barillets and Pointe du Yan. 

The general direction of the ebb stream is southwestward. It fol¬ 
lows the channel between Tevennec and Pointe du Van, and after 
passing the Vieille sets on Gornoc Bras and the Tete du Chat. At the 
end of the flood slack water lasts about hour and a little longer at 
the end of the ebb. 

Southern approach to Brest.—Raz de Sein between the eastern 
extremity of the Chaussee de Sein and the rocks extending from 
Pointe du Raz and Pointe du Van, is a channel about 1.5 miles wide, 
but as it contains many shoals it should not be entered by a stranger 
without a pilot. 

Depth of water.—In the fairway of the Raz de Sein there are 
from 11 to 20 fathoms of water. 

Dangers—Cornoc Bras and Masclougreiz. —In the southern 
part of the channel are two patches, f mile apart, named Cornoc 
Bras and Masclougreiz. The former, with 1J fathoms over it at 
lowest water, lies midway between the latter and Tete du Chat, and 
the Masclougreiz, with 4f fathoms, lies 1.3 miles 186° from La 
Vieille Rock. A patch of 4J fathoms is situated 400 yards 36° from 
Cornoc Bras. The position of the Cornoc Bras may be seen very 
well at low water when near it, by the violent eddies formed by the 
streams. In bad weather the sea breaks on it, and in heavy weather 
from the southwestward the sea breaks on Masclougreiz. 

Moullec Bock, with a depth of 2J fathoms on it, lies about 1.2 
miles 81° of Masclougreiz and f mile from the mainland, with La 
Vieille Lighthouse bearing 317°, distant 1.5 miles. La Vieille and 
Tevennec Lighthouses in line lead close westward of the rock. „ 

Tevennec Bock. —The northern part of the passage is divided 
into two channels by a bank about 1 mile in extent, in the middle of 
which is a large conspicuous rock, named Tevennec, from which the 
lighthouse on the He de Sein bears 3.4 miles 240° and La Vieille 
Lighthouse nearly 2.5 miles 139°. Tevennec Rock, on which is a 
lighthouse, is surrounded by shoals, principally covered, which are 
dangerous in consequence of the streams setting strongly over them. 

Light—Tevennec Bock. —On the summit of Tevennec Rock, 
from a lighthouse, a white square turret, 43 feet in height, with a 
main building, is exhibited 92 feet above water, a fixed white and 
and red light. The white light is visible 13 miles and the red light 
8 miles. The light is unwatched. For sectors, see Light List and 
charts. 

Dangers. —Les Barillets are about -§ mile southeastward of Teven¬ 
nec Rock, with shoal patches about 400 yards farther southeastward. 
The northeastern rock is covered 1 foot at lowest water. Beguelan 
Rock, less than 200 yards northward of the Barillets, dries 10 feet. 


GOULET. 


101 


Ba^e Plate (Ar Vas), ^ south-southwestward of Tevennec, is 
awash at low water, and has patches of 1J and 3J fathoms within 
300 yards southeastward of it, and Basse Moudenou, 0.7 miles 275° 
from Tevexmec, has 3§ fathoms over it. Basse Triton lies nearly J 
mile 6° from Tevennec, and has 5J fathoms water over it, and 
Forhok, which dries 10 feet, lies 300 yards 62° from the rock. 

Clearing mark.—Coumoudoc Bock open southward of Gorleg- 
reiz, bearing 120°, leads southwestward of the Basse Plate and other 
dangers southward of Tevennec Bock. At night the red sector of 
La Vieille Light covers the whole of these dangers. 

The Goulet de Brest, or entrance to the Bade de Brest, is a well- 
fortified strait, formed by the coast of the Presqu’ile de Kelern on 
the southern side, and that between Petit Minou and Portzic Points 
on the northern. It is about 3 miles in length, east and west, and 
1 to 1.2 miles wide. Both sides are steep, and the depth in the navi¬ 
gable channels is from 10 to 26 fathoms. 

On Points du Portzic, nearly 3.5 miles east-northeastward of 
Petit Minou Point, is an octagonal tower 108 feet in height, from 
which is exhibited, 184 feet above high water, a fixed and flashing 
white and red light, visible 20 miles. 

A semaphore is established on Portzic Point, northwestward of 
the lighthouse. Fort de Portzic is also situated on the point. 

For signal respecting submarine vessels, see Chapter I. 

Dangers in the Goulet—Les Fillettes—Buoy. —Les Fillettes, 
situated at the western entrance to the Goulet, lie at the western end 
of a shallow bank, uncover 5 feet at lowest tides, and are marked on 
the western side by a black and white horizontally striped conical 
buoy surmounted by a black diamond. 

The channel northward of the Fillettes is 0.7 mile wide and that 
southward 700 yards. 

Pollux Bock, with a depth of 5 fathoms on it at lowest tides, lies 
J mile 227° from the drying head of the Fillettes. 

Basse Hermine, with 8 fathoms of water, lies 1.4 miles westward of 
the Fillettes. 

Basse Goudron—Buoy. —Basse Goudron is a small bank on 
which there are two rocky heads, 200 yards apart 51° and 231° from 
each other with 1 and 3 feet of water on them, respectively. It lies 
nearly i mile 59° from the Fillettes, and is marked on its northern 
side by a conical buoy, painted red and white in horizontal bands, 
surmounted by two red triangles, points together, and moored with 
Mengam Bock bearing 40° about 700 yards. The passage between the 
Fillettes and Basse Goudron should not be attempted, as there are 
several sunken rocks in it. 


102 


APPROACHES TO BREST. 


Clearing marks. —Lemonnier house, Anse de Bertheaume, open 
southward of Grand Minou Point, leads southwestward of Les 
Fillettes. 

Portzic Point open northward of Mengam Rock Lighthouse leads 
northward of Les Fillettes and Basse Goudron and St. Martin’s 
Steeple, above the town of Brest, in line with the semaphore on 
Portzic Point, bearing 45°, lead southward of them. The light on 
Mengam Rock is obscured over these dangers. 

Approaches to Brest—Warning signals for vessels maneu¬ 
vering by night at high speed. —When night exercises with vessels 
maneuvering at high speed (torpedo boats, torpedo-boat destroyers, 
etc.) are going to take place after dark in the vicinity of the Goulet 
de Brest the international code signal D.S. will be hoisted on all 
the neighboring semaphores on the day immediately preceding the 
exercises, for two hours after daybreak and for two hours before 
nightfall. 

It is to be clearly understood that the above signals do not prohibit 
navigation, but are merely intended to warn fishermen and small 
steamers engaged in local traffic, without involving any responsibility 
upon the French Government. 

Moreover, it may happen at any time that the exercises alluded to 
above may take place, owing to unexpected orders or special circum¬ 
stances, without the foregoing signals having been given during the 
day. 

Hade de Brest—Zone reserved for submarine vessels exer¬ 
cising submerged. —See Chapter I. 

When the flag with a yellow and a red horizontal stripe is hoisted 
at the signal stations or on the vessel escorting submarine vessels, to 
indicate that the latter are exercising submerged, all vessels navigat¬ 
ing in the Rade de Brest are earnestly requested to avoid entering 
the zone defined below, which is the only part of the road in which 
submarine vessels are permitted to exercise submerged. 

This zone is limited as follows: 

On the north by the line of Pointe Stiff (the small projection situ¬ 
ated about 800 yards westward from Pointe des Espagnols) bearing 
241°. 

On the west by a line drawn from Pointe des Espagnols toward the 
eastern side of He Treberon for a distance of about 2,500 yards, thence 
by the alignment of Pointe de Pile Longue open southward of Grenoc 
Tower bearing 118°. 

On the south by a line joining Pointe de Pile Longue and Pointe 
Lanveoc; thence by a line drawn from Pointe Lanveoc toward Pointe 
Doubidy for a distance of about 3,300 yards. 

On the east by the alignment of Pointe des Espagnols and the 
southern extremity of lie Ronde bearing 291° ; thence by a line drawn 


BREST. 


103 


from the western side of lie Ronde toward St. Martin Church for a 
distance of 2.1 miles; thence by the alignment of St. Pierre Church 
and the lighthouse on the eastern end of the southern breakwater of 
the Rade Abri bearing 290° until meeting the northern limit of the 
zone (Pointe Stiff bearing 241°). 

Mengam Rock, which does not cover except at very high springs, 
lies about 1,700 yards northeastward of the Fillettes and nearly in 
mid-channel. 

About 65 yards 208° from the lighthouse is a rock which dries 6 feet. 

The space between Basse Goudron and Mengam Rock is free from 
danger, but the tidal streams are strong, and it should not be used 
except in case of necessity. Petit Minou Light shows red over the 
Fillettes, Basse Goudron, and Mengam Rock. * 

Mengam Rock Light. —From a lighthouse 31 feet in height and 
painted in red-and-black horizontal bands is exhibited 36 feet above 
high water an occulting green and red light, visible 6 miles. The 
light is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

Roches de la Drague, with 2f fathoms water on them, lie in the 
Anse de Ste. Anne, westward of Portzic Point, with Portzic Light¬ 
house bearing 80° distant 900 yards. They are on a bank which ex¬ 
tends 600 yards westward from the shore within the 5-fathom limit. 
*/ 

Shoal water extends 250 yards southward of Portzic Point; Men¬ 
gam Fort, well open southward of the point eastward of it, leads 
southward of the shoal. 

Tidal streams.— The flood stream in the Goulet commences about 
J hour after low water, and it sets to the eastward fairly through 
the channels with a velocity of about 2 to 3 knots. It is a little 
stronger in the southern than in the northern channel and attains 
its greatest velocity eastward of the Mengam Rock. The ebb stream 
commences after high-water slack and immediately becomes strong. 
This stream must be guarded against, because it sets obliquely across 
that part of the Goulet comprised between Pointes des Espagnols 
and Delec. 

During the whole of the ebb stream an eddy runs eastward along 
the southern shore of the Goulet. Its width varies from 100 yards off 
Pointe des Capucins to 550 yards off Pointe Robert, whence its width 
decreases toward Pointe des Espagnols. It attains its greatest 
strength between half ebb and low water. When proceeding out of 
the Goulet on the ebb by the southern channel great care is required 
when abreats Pointe Robert to prevent the vessel’s head being swung 
toward the southern shore on meeting the eddy. 

Rade de Brest.— This harbor, which will admit the largest vessel, 
is accessible only through the Goulet, before described; it extends 
several miles inland in two branches, one running toward Lander- 

21235 0 —17-8 




104 


BREST. 


neau, the other toward Landevenec, and contains an area of about 15 
square miles; it is nearly landlocked. Its breadth varies considerably 
from the irregularity of its shores. Numerous streams flow into it, 
of which the Rivers Landerneau and Chateaulin are navigable for 
some distance. 

The entrance points are Portzic Point on the north and Pointe des 
Espagnols on the south, about 0.9 miles apart; the latter forms the 
northeastern extremity of the Presqu’ile de Kelern. 

The harbor may be considered as divided into two parts by a line 
drawn from the Pointe l’lle Longue on the southwest, to Pointe de 
l’Armorique on the northeast, both of which are elevated and for¬ 
tified. The portion of the harbor northward of this line is about 
8 miles in length, from the head of the Baie de Roscanvel on the 
southwest to Pointe Ste. Barbe at the entrance of the Landerneau 
River at its northeastern end, with a maximum breadth of 3.5 miles. 
Nearly the whole of this part of the harbor eastward of a line be¬ 
tween Brest and Pointe du Carreau, on which there is a beacon, is 
shoal, there being only a narrow channel in the center leading east¬ 
ward to the entrance of the Diviere de Landerneau. 

On the northern shore of the harbor is situated the town of Brest, 
with its arsenal and harbors protected by breakwaters, hereafter de¬ 
scribed. The church of St. Martin, with tower and sharp steeple, 
stands on the high land northeastward of the town, and the steeple 
of St. Marc 1 mile farther eastward. In the Anse de St. Marc, 1 
mile eastward of Brest, reclamation works are in progress. 

The southeastern part of the harbor is described later. 

Dangers, northern part.—La Cormorandiere, a small rocky 
plateau, the highest part of which is awash at high water, extends 
about 400 yards northeastward of Espagnols Point. It should be 
given a wide berth, for the streams set very strongly over it. 

Basse Penoupele, with a depth of 4J fathoms at lowest water 
over it, lies on St. Pierre Bank, about ^ mile 125° from the western 
end of the detached breakwater, from which a bank extends south- 
westward I mile, with depths of from 4J to 5 fathoms on it. 

Banc de St. Pierre.—From a point about 0.7 miles 115° from 
Portzic Point, St. Pierre Bank extends northeastward toward St. 
Marc Bank, and has general depths of 7 to 10 fathoms on it. Basse 
St. Pierre, with 5J fathoms at low water, lies on this bank 1.2 miles 
eastward of the lighthouse on Portzic Point and about 700 yards 
from the detached breakwater. 

Basse Leclerc, with 6J fathoms water, lies 1,100 yards 158° from 
the southern end of the eastern breakwater, and should be avoided 
when seeking anchorage. 

Shoal.—About 600 yards northeastward of the Basse du Renard 
there is a shoal with fathoms over it. 


BREST. 


105 


Bancs de St. Marc, Plouga.stel, and Corbeau.— The navigable 
part of the road is limited approximately eastward of a line between 
Penfeld River and Armorique Point by the shoal of St. Marc, which 
extends from the northern shore between Brest and the entrance of 
the Riviere de Landerneau. Over this bank there are depth of 3 to 
0 feet at lowest water; and the shoals of Plougastel and Corbeau, 
over which there are depths of from 3 to 12 feet, which are joined 
and extend westward from the Landerneau River entrance, the outer 
or western 3-fathom limit of the Corbeau bank projecting 1.2 miles 
into the road, between Pointes Marloux and du Corbeau. 

Clearing mark. —The steeple of St. Martin in line with the west¬ 
ern front of the railway terminus bearing. 1°, leads westward of 
the Banc du Corbeau, but close eastward of the Basse du Renard to 
the southward, and over Basse Leclerc. 

Basse du Renard—Buoy. —Basse du Renard, 0.8 mile 298° from 
He Ronde, has 2-J fathoms over it at lowest water, and is marked by 
a conical buo} r , painted in red and black horizontal bands. 

Basse de PArmorique—Buoy.— Basse de l’Armorique, with 3 
fathoms on it, lies about ^ mile 320° from He Ronde; it is marked 
by* a small black buoy. About 200 yards northward of the basse is a 
rocky head of 31 fathoms and about the same distance southward a 
depth of 4J fathoms, stones. 

Clearing mark. —Delec Fort, just shut in by Pointe des Espag- 
nols, bearing 294°, leads south westward of the dangers off lie Ronde. 
Chat Mill, on the south side of the road, marked by lie Longue, leads 
westward of Basse du Renard. 

Southwestern side of road.—Baie de Roscanvel, formed by the 
Presqu’ile de Kelern and lie Longue, is about 2 miles in length by 1.5 
miles in width, and is nearly filled by shallow mud banks. A narrow 
channel of deep water leads up the center of the bay in a southwest 
direction as far as lie des Morts. A short distance eastward of the 
latter is Treberon Island, on which is a lazaretto. Mooring buoys for 
vessels in quarantine lie off the entrance of the channel. At Rostellec, 
southeast side of the bay, is a white measured distance beacon. 

Danger—Tower.—Le Grenoc, a rocky ledge marked by a red 
beacon tower, lies 300 yards 329° from the northern extremity of lie 
Longue. 

Refuge Harbor (Rade d’Abri).—This harbor is formed by break¬ 
waters that leave two entrances between them. The western break¬ 
water begins at Quatre Pompes, 1,200 yards northeastward of Portzic 
Lighthouse, and extends about 300 yards 135°. The southern break¬ 
water extends in an east-northeast and west-southwest direction about 
J.2 miles, its western end, which forms a short elbow,bearing 66°, dis¬ 
tant 1,300 yards from Portzic Lighthouse. The eastern breakwater 
starts from the breakwater of the commercial port and trends 191° 


106 


BREST. 


for 990 yards. It then forms a short elbow and turns toward the 
southern breakwater, terminating about 330 yards from the eastern 
end of that breakwater. 

A large extent of land, reclaimed from the sea, lies northward of 
Refuge Harbor, and a victualing establishment for the fleet is to be 
formed on it. Two large fitting basins are being constructed and a 
harbor for torpedo boats has been formed. 

There are two lines of mooring buoys for French vessels of war 
within the harbor. The general depths are from 4 to 8 fathoms. 

The western pass into the harbor is 295 yards wide, and the south¬ 
ern pass, situated southward of the chateau, 328 yards wide. The 
torpedo-boat harbor of Lanninon is exclusively used for torpedo 
craft and access is interdicted. At night the entrance is closed by a 
boom. 

Regulations forbidding passage to merchant vessels. —The 

following regulations are in force: 

1. Merchant vessels, other than fishing boats and pleasure craft of 
less than 30 tons displacement, are forbidden to pass via the Rade 
d’Abri. 

2. Fishing boats and pleasure craft authorized to cross the Ra'de 
d’Abri will do so at their own risk, and will always give way to a 
war vessel. 

3. The extent of the Rade d’Abri at Brest is limited by the south 
coast, the jetty at Quatre Pompes, the jetty sheltering the roadstead 
on the south and by two lines joining mooring buoy No. 8 to the 
eastern extremity of this same jetty on the one hand and to the sema¬ 
phore mast at the entrance to the Penfeld on the other. 

Articles 4, 5, and 6 refer to penalties resulting from infringement 
of these regulations, and state that pilots should bring the regula¬ 
tions to the notice of the vessels of which they take charge and see 
that they are adhered to. 

Military port. —The military port comprises, besides the Refuge 
Harbor, the arsenal, which extends along both banks of Penfeld 
River, the entrance to which is between Pointes Fer a Cheval and 
Chateau. 

Work in progress—Beacon and buoy. —Work is in progress 
(1913) on the erection of a sea wall, with the object of making a 
new fill in front of the Sept Battery in the Rade d’Abri, Brest, 
marked as follows: 

A beacon consisting of a simple wooden perch raised feet above 
high water has been placed 440 yards east-northeastward of the 
extremity of Quatre Pompes Jetty on the line joining the end of the 
jetty with the light at the health office, on the west jetty of the Port 
de Commerce. 


BREST. 


107 


A mark in red paint has been made on the shore at the foot of the 
cliff, feet above the level of the intended fill, southwestward and 
517 yards from the axis of the west jetty of Lanninon. 

A black spherical buoy has been moored on a line drawn from the 
red mark above mentioned parallel with the axis of the west jetty 
of Lanninon and on the prolongation of the outer jetty of Lanninon, 
about 350 yards northeastward of the above-mentioned beacon. 

It is forbidden to enter the inclosure bounded on the south by a 
line joining the beacon and the buoy, and on the east by the line 
joining the buoy and the red mark on the shore. 

Port de Commerce.— The Port de Commerce or commercial port, 
eastward of the mouth of the Penfeld is an extensive artificial 
harbor adapted for merchant vessels drawing as much as 20 feet of 
water. These vessels are berthed alongside the west jetty, or the 
north quay, where there are steam cranes for dealing with the cargo 
and every facility for provisioning and coaling. The western en¬ 
trance is most used, being practicable at any time of tide for the 
vessels of the above-mentioned draft, access to the eastern entrance 
being limited by St. Marc Bank. The length of the quays is 7,550 
feet. The port has been dredged to a depth of 23 feet. A new dry 
dock has been constructed. See Appendix II. 

Boats from foreign men-of-war land here. 

Lights—Chateau. —From a gray stone turret, 39 feet high, situ¬ 
ated at the foot of the Chateau, is exhibited, at an elevation of 58 
feet above high water, an occulting white, red, and green light. The 
white light is visible 11 miles and the red and green lights 6 miles. 

Southern Breakwater—Western end.— A fixed blue light is 
exhibited at a height 10 feet above water at the western end of 
the southern breakwater of Refuge Harbor. 

Eastern end. —From a white, metal turret, 34 feet in height, on 
the eastern end of the southern breakwater, is exhibited, at an eleva¬ 
tion of 3 feet above high water, a fixed red light visible 3 miles in 
clear weather. The light is unwatched. 

Eastern breakwater.— From a white, metal turret, 34 feet in 
height, on the southern end of the eastern breakwater of Refuge 
Harbor, is exhibited, at an elevation of 33 feet above high water, a 
fixed green light visible 3 miles in clear weather. The light is un¬ 
watched. 

Port de Commerce. —The western entrance to the Port de Com¬ 
merce or commercial port is lighted on both sides. A fixed red light, 
33 feet above high water and visible 6 miles, is shown from a white, 
iron turret, 31 feet high, on the south end of the western mole, and 
a fixed white light (unwatched), 33 feet above high water and visible 
9 miles, is shown from a similar turret at the west end of the south 
mole. 


108 


BREST. 


The eastern entrance is lighted by a fixed green light, 22 feet above 
high water and visible 3 miles, shown from a stand over an iron shed 
at the south end of the eastern mole; it is unwatched. 

Torpedo boat harbor.— A fixed red light is shown from the east¬ 
ern end and a fixed green light from the western end of the southern 
jetty of the torpedo boat harbor at Lanninon, and also a fixed red 
light from the end of the west jetty. These lights are provisional. 
The harbor is situated on the north side of Kefuge Harbor. 

A fixed red lantern light is exhibited from a mast on the western 
side of Penfeld River entrance. 

Life saving. —A life-saving station furnished with a line-throw¬ 
ing gun has been established at Porstrein, near the commercial port. 
There is also a relief station for shipwrecked people. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
Brest at 3 h. 46 m.; ordinary springs rise 24J feet, neaps 19} feet, 
above the level of the soundings on the chart, which is about 4| feet 
below the level of low water ordinary springs. Ordinary springs 
range 19} feet; neaps 9} feet. 

In the road the flood stream from the Goulet sets toward the 
Pointe du Corbeau, branches from it flowing tow 7 ard the Rivieres de 
Landerneau and Chateaulin. At about 2 hours flood an eddy, set¬ 
ting westward, forms across the entrance to Anse de Auberlac’h, 
and a little later a similar eddy forms across the entrances to the 
Baie de Roscanvel and Anse du Fret. 

The ebb streams from the rivers just mentioned meet in the middle 
of the road causing an eddy that sets eastward toward the shore be¬ 
tween Pointes du Corbeau and Armorique. The stream from the 
Landerneau sets direct into the Goulet; that from the Chateaulin 
sets on the Cormorandiere Rock and thence across the Goulet 
obliquely toward Pointe Delec, increasing the velocity of the stream 
in that part of the channel. 

The ebb stream commences to set out of Refuge Harbor while the 
flood stream still continues outside it. The tw T o streams meet near 
the prolongation of the line joining Pointe Nevent to Portzic Point, 
and the ebb stream out of the harbor attains a velocity of about 2 
knots. 

The best time for entering the Rade Abri is at from 3 to 5 hours 
after high water, the stream then being practically negligible both 
in the entrance and inside. 

Mooring buoys—Anchorage. —The anchorage both inside and 
outside the breakwater is full of mooring buo} 7 s having a ring to 
which vessels shackle their own chains. 

The anchorage for a distance of } mile outside the southern break¬ 
water has general depths of 7 to 10 fathoms, mud, sand, and shells, 
slightly deeper in places. If it is necessary to anchor care should be 


BREST. 


109 


taken to avoid the Basses Penoupele, St. Pierre, and Leclere, where 
the bottom is rocky, and if within J mile of the breakwater not to 
anchor eastward of a line joining Pointe du Corbeau and Armo- 
rique mill on the highland about 1.5 miles eastward of Admorique 
Point. 

Signals. —For signals respecting submarine vessels, see Chapter I. 

Quarantine. —-The guarantine station or lazaretto is on Treberon 
Island, in the Baie de Itoscanvel. There are mooring buoys north¬ 
ward of the island in from 8 to 10 fathoms water for the use of ves¬ 
sels undergoing quarantine. 

Rivere de Landerneau or Elorn. —The entrance to this river is 
about 3.5 miles eastward of the entrance to Brest Harbor, and is ap¬ 
proached through a narrow channel with a least depth of 2 fathoms 
at low water, which lies between the Bancs de St. Marc and Plou- 
gastel. On the north side, abreast Anse du Moulin Blanc, the bank 
dries out 0.9 mile to the edge of the channel, on the other side of 
which, off Pointe Plougastel, there is a considerable area uncovered 
at low water. The channel is marked by a black conical buoy and a 
red spindle buoy, both with top marks. A small black buoy marks 
a rock on the southern side of the deep water off Pointe Ste. Barbe. 
On the high land south of the river entrance, and about 1 mile from 
the shore, is Plougastel Church, with a steeple. 

The river is navigable with the assistance of a pilot as far as Lan¬ 
derneau, a town of about 7,000 inhabitants, situated 12 miles in the 
interior. At high water vessels of 10 feet draft can reach the town, 
where there are wharves on each side of the river and a good place to 
ground. Vessels of 13 feet draft can not ascend quite so far. The 
river is embanked for a short distance below Landerneau, and coast¬ 
ers can ground alongside. The port of Landerneau is dry at low 
water of all tides. The tide begins to rise there when it is half flood 
at Brest. 

Anchorage. —Small vessels find good anchorage in 6 to 7 fathoms 
off le Passage, a small village on the south bank about f mile inside 
the entrance of the river. 

Pilots. —The pilots of Brest have good, partly decked boats. 
They have the exclusive right to take to sea by the Iroise, the Raz de 
Sein, or the Four Channel, all vessels leaving Brest, but they do not 
cruise outside the harbor. 

A submarine flotilla is stationed at Brest. 

Fairways reserved for traffic when submarine vessels are 
exercising.— When the flag with a yellow and a red horizontal stripe 
is hoisted at the signal station or on the vessel- escorting submarine 
vessels, to indicate that the latter are exercising submerged, all ves¬ 
sels wishing to enter or leave the port of Brest are earnestly requested 


110 


BREST. 


to make use of the fairways defined below, in which submarine vessels 
are prohibited from exercising submerged. 

These fairways are limited as follows: 

1. In approach to the Goulet— 

On the north by the coast between St. Mathieu and Pointe du 
Grand Minou Lighthouse. 

On the west by the alignment of Grande Vinotiere and Vieux 
Moines Lighthouses. 

On the south by the line of Mengam Rock Lighthouse bear¬ 
ing 68°. > 

On the east by a line joining Pointe du Grand Minou and 
Pointe des Capucins. 

2. In Parquette, Petit Leac’h, Grand Leac’h, and Toulinguet 

Channels— 

On the north by the line Lignes de Kelern, seen well open off 
Pointe du Grand Gouin, bearing 82°, as far as the meridian 
of La Parquette; thence by the line Capucins old lighthouse 
bearing 68°. (This line passes \ mile northward of La 
Yandree Buoy.) 

On the west by a line joining La Yandree and Basse du Lis. 

On the south by a line joining Basse du Lis and He Gueneron. 

On the east by the coast between lie Gueneron and Pointe du 
Grand Gouin. 

3. In the Goulet—- 

On the west by a line joining Pointe du Grand Minou and 
Pointe des Capucins. 

On the east by a line joining Portzic Lighthouse and La Cor- 
morandiere. 

Directions to Brest by the Iroise. —Approaching the Iroise 
from the northwestward in clear weather, when Ushant is recognized, 
the lighthouse on Creac’h Point in line with Runiou Beacon bearing 
329°, or in line with the southwestern extremity of the island, leads 
westward of all dangers southeastward of Ushant, and when Pierres 
Noires Lighthouse bears 90° course may be altered to pass at a safe 
distance southward of the Chaussee des Pierres Noires, bearing in 
mind that the flood stream sets toward all these dangers. 

The western Tas de Pois, open southward of Parquette Beacon 
tower bearing 102°, leads about 1 mile southward of the Pierres 
Noires, until the lighthouses on Petit Minou and Portzic Points arc 
in line, bearing 68°. Should these latter marks not be distinctly 
visible, the position of the vessel may be obtained by bearings of the 
Pierres Noires and St. Mathieu Point Lighthouses and Parquette 
Beacon tower, but care must be taken not to get southward of the 
Lignes de Kelern well open northward of Grand Gouin Point, which 


- BREST. Ill 

mark leads northward of the Vandree and other shoals westward of 
the Parquette. 

1 lie mark, Petit Minou and Portzic Lighthouses in line bearing 
68° leads southward of the Chaussee des Pierres Noires, the Coq, 
Charles Martel, and Basse Beuzec, and northward of the Vandree, 
Parquette, Trepied, etc. 

In the vicinity of Basse Beuzec, Portzic Lighthouse should be 
opened a little southward of Petit Minou Lighthouse in order to give 
the shoal a sufficient berth. When about 1.5 miles from Petit Minou 
Point, or when the Tregana Beacons are in line bearing 337°, steer 
to pass the point at a distance of % mile and keep about 600 yards 
off the northern shore of the Goulet, passing northward of the Fil- 
Lttes and Basse Goudron, marked by buoys, and Mengam Rock, 
marked by a light tower. Thence steer direct for the road, not 
closing Portzic Point wjthin 400 yards, and anchor southward of the 
breakwater, keeping clear of the shoal patches on St. Pierre Bank. 

South channel of the Goulet. —If entering by the channel south¬ 
ward of the shoals in the Goulet, which has a width of 700 yards in 
its narrowest part, keep 400 yards off the southern shore of the 
Goulet, guarding against the tidal stream. The leading mark 
through the middle of this channel is the church tower of St. Martin, 
situated conspicuously on the high land northeastward of Brest, and 
which has a sharp spire, between the lighthouse and semaphore of 
Portzic, bearing about 45°, till past Mengam Rock. Then steer mid¬ 
way between Portzic and Espagnols Points, and to the anchorage. 

Espagnols Point must be given a wide berth, as the streams set 
strongly on the Cormorandiere Rock. 

Vessels passing southward of Refuge Harbor Mole must keep 
southward of the mooring buoys, as the swirl of stream that occurs 
between the buoys and mole, amounting at times to almost a whirl¬ 
pool, is dangerous. 

The passage of merchant vessels through Refuge Harbor is pro¬ 
hibited while vessels of war are under way within it. Notice of this 
will be given by hoisting letter Z of the International Code at the 
mastheads of the semaphore on Portzic Point and of the guardship 
in the harbor; a boat will also be stationed off the western entrance to 
warn vessels. 

The speed of merchant vessels passing through Refuge Harbor 
must not exceed 5 knots an hour. 

From the south westward. —When bound to Brest from the 
southwestward, having given the Saints a wide berth, course should 
be shaped to make the lighthouse on the Pierres Noires; but if the 
weather is not clear enough to enable objects to be distinguished at a 
distance of 3 miles great caution is necessary, and it is then advisable 


112 


BREST. 


to approach the Chaussee des Pierres Noires when the ebb stream is 
running and at slow speed. When the lighthouse is made out proceed 
as before directed. 

At night. —When entering the Iroise from the northwestward 
and bound to Brest, pass about 4 miles westward of Ushant and 
steer 135° until St. Mathieu Point Light, fixed and flashing white, 
is in line with Pierres Noires Light, flashing red, bearing 79°, when 
alter course to 107°, until Portzic Point Light, fixed and flashing 
white, is in line with the fixed white light on Petit Minou Point., 
bearing 68°, which mark leads toward the entrance of the Goulet, 
between the dangers on either side. The latter mark is rarely made 
out distinctly until abreast of the Pierres Noires Light; consequently 
frequent determination of the vessel’s position is necessary by means 
of cross bearings of the lights in sight to guard against the effect 
of the tidal stream, which sets toward the Pierres Noires on the flood. 

Proceed toward the Goulet with the lights of Petit Minou and 
Portzic in line, opening Portzic Light southward of Petit Minou 
Light in the vicinity of Basse Beuzec; and when Toulinguet occulting 
light is abeam, or when nearly 2 miles from Petit Minou Light, alter 
course southward about 1J points and pass Petit Minou Light at a 
distance of 4 mile, taking care not to lose sight of Mengam occulting 
green light. When Petit Minou Light is abeam steer for Portzic 
Light, keeping it well open northward of Mengam Light; pass Men¬ 
gam Light at a distance of about 400 yards and thence direct for the 
anchorage, observing that the line of junction of the red and green 
sectors of the latter light leads northward of Basse Penoupele and 
Basse St. Pierre. 

South channel of the Goulet. —If entering by the southern 
channel of the Goulet, steer an easterly course toward Point des 
Capucins, taking care not to bring Petit Minou Light westward of 
329° until Mengam occulting red light is sighted, when steer about 45° 
for Portzic Point Light, fixed and flashing white, the straight line of 
lamps on the Paris Boad, above those of the town of Brest, will 
appear a little to the left of Portzic Light, and also lead through 
the south channel. When eastward of Mengam Light steer for the 
anchorage. 

Dire itions f oj southern approach to Brest—Raz de Sein._ 

The channel of the Raz de Sein is not difficult if taken at slack water, 
but it must not be entered when the stream is against the wind in 
heavy weather, as the sea then becomes dangerous even for large 
vessels. In the vicinity of the Vieille in fine weather there is a choppy 
sea when the wind and stream are contrary, and there are also strono* 
eddies, to avoid which do not close the Vieille nearer than 4 mile. 
When the wind and stream are both in the same direction the sea is 


BREST. 113 

smooth in the middle of the Raz de Sein, however strong the wind, 
while it is often very heavy outside. 

Haz de Sein—Zone reserved for traffic when submarine 
vessels are exercising. —When the flag with a yellow and a red 
horizontal stripe is hoisted at the signal stations or on the vessel 
escorting submarine vessels, to indicate that the latter are exercising 
submerged, all vessels wishing to enter or leave the Raz de Sein are 
earnestly requested to make use, of the zone defined below, in which 
submarine vessels are prohibited from exercising submerged. 

This zone is limited as follows: 

On the west by the meridian of He de Sein Lighthouse. 

On the north by the parallel of Pointe de Millier Lighthouse. 

On the east by the coast between Pointe de Millier Lighthouse 
and Pointe de PErvily. 

On the south by the parallel of Pointe de PErvily. 

By day.—From the southward pass between Moullec Rock and 
Masclougreiz with Tevennec Rock bearing 325° open four or five 
times its width westward of La Vieille; keep this mark on until the 
semaphore on Pointe du Raz is abeam, or the lighthouse on lie de 
Sein bears 280°, when the vessel will be about f mile from Ln Vieille 
Lighthouse, which round at a distance of \ mile. Then proceed 
northward with Vieille Lighthouse bearing 180°, and when lie de 
Sein and Trevennec Lighthouses come in line the shoals are cleared; 
or bring La Vieille in line with Coumoudoc Rock, bearing 112°, 
which leads between the shoals of Tevennec and the Chaussee de Sein, 
and when lie de Sein Lighthouse bears 208° proceed northward. Cau¬ 
tion is required when in the vicinity of the Masclougreiz and the 
Moullec Rock eastward of it. 

Pointe du Van, in line with Gorlegreiz Rock, bearing 40°, leads 
between Cornoc Bras and Masclougreiz. A vessel is northward of 
both these dangers when lie de Sein Lighthouse is open northward 
of Goulevan Rock, when course should be altered to pass La Vieille 
at the distance of \ mile, proceeding as before directed. 

La Vieille Lighthouse, in line with St. They Chapel, bearing 57°, 
leads between the Tete du Chat and Cornoc Bras, but the channel 
eastward of Masclougreiz is preferable. 

From the northward, steer for the Vieille Lighthouse, bearing 
180° and round the lighthouse at a distance of about \ mile; or, if 
passing westward of the Tevennec, steer southward for lie de Sein 
Lighthouse until Coumoudoc Rock is in line with the Vieille Light¬ 
house bearing 112°; keep this mark on and round the Vieille at about 
J mile; then bring Tevennec Rock open four or five times its width 
westward of the Vieille, bearing 325°, which mark on astern leads 
eastward of the Masclougreiz and westward of the Moullec Rock and 
the Basse ar C’harn. 

t 


114 


BBEST. 


Caution. —The tidal streams must be considered. 

At night. —From the southward steer toward the Raz de Sein in 
the sector of white light of La Vieille. On nearing the channel 
bring Tevennec white light to bear 328° and steer for it on this 
bearing, leaving Masclougreiz to the westward and Basse ar C’harn 
and the Moullec Rock to the eastward. When the light on He de 
Sein bears 284°, alter course to 320° to pass about J mile westward 
of La Vieille, and outside La Plate green light, and when Vieille 
Light changes to green steer again for Tevennec white light. Cross 
this green sector, passing 0.3 mile outside La Plate green light, and 
when Vieille Light becomes white steer 23°. Care must be taken 
not to be set on the Bardlets or the Vieille, according as the flood or 
ebb stream is running. 

To pass between Tevennec and the lie de Sein, having crossed the 
sector of green light of La Vieille, and opened its white light, steer 
about 292°, passing into the sector of red light from Tevennec, and 
keeping the Vieille light white until lie de Sein Light bears 208°, 
then proceed northward. 

To pass between Cornoc Bras and Masclougreiz, steer toward 
Tevennec Light, bearing 344°, the line of change from white to red, 
keeping just within the western limit of the white light, and when La 
Vieille Light changes from white to green the dangers will be passed 
and the directions given above may be followed. 

The channel between Cornoc Bras and the Tete du Chat is not prac¬ 
ticable at night. 

From the northward keep La Vieille Light bearing 180° until 
Tevennec white light bears 287°, when alter course to 231°. On 
Tevennec white light bearing 328°, proceed 158°. Having passed 
nearly ^ mile westward of La Vieille and outside La Plate green 
Jights, bring Tevennec white light to bear 328° and keep it so astern, 
which leads between the Masclougreiz and Moullec Rock. 

Or proceed southward, with lie de Sein Light bearing about 186°, 
then steer for the Vieille Light bearing about 113°, keeping in the. 
white sector. On Tevennec Light changing from red to white keep 
southward, and pass about J mile westward of La Vieille and outside 
La Plate green lights; then bring Tevennec white light to bear 328°, 
and as above directed. 

Channels between the dangers in Iroise. —Vessels bound to 
Brest from the Raz de Sein or Douarnenez Bay may, in favorable 
weather, avoid passing westward of La Vandree by making use of one 
or other of the passages between the various dangers extending west¬ 
ward from Toulinguet Point. The best of these are the Chenal du 
Toulinguet and the Chenal du Petit Leac’h, which are available for 
the largest vessels at any time of tide. The best route for those bound 


BREST. 


115 


to the Chenal du Four is through the passage westward of La Par- 
quette, between it and Le Goemant and L’Astrolabe Shoals. 

Chenal or Passage du Toulinguet is the channel between the 
Basse de la Louve and Pohen Rock in the north, where it is very 
narrow, and between the Tas de Pois and Pelen, with the Basse de 
Sud in the south, and is the most frequented of these passages. Ap¬ 
proaching from the southward, having passed through the Raz de 
Sein, steer about 28° for the Tas de Pois, allowing for a slight 
indraft into Douarnenez Bay on the flood, and when they are made 
out bring the western one to bear 34° and steer for it, passing between 
the Basses Menehom and du Chevreau, until Petit Minou Point Light¬ 
house is just open westward of Toulinguet Point, bearing 12°, which 
mark leads through the channel until abreast of the Rochers du 
Toulinguet, when alter course about 320° between Le Pohen Rock 
and the Basse de la Louve, passing close northeastward of the former. 
When the lighthouse on Portzic Point opens northward of the south¬ 
ern shore of the Goulet de Brest the vessel is clear of danger and may 
shape course for the Goulet, following the directions already given. 

By night.—The Chenal du Toulinguet may be used on a clear 
night by those acquainted with the shape of the rocks; otherwise a 
pilot should be employed. 

From the Raz de Sein steer north-northeastward until Toulinguet 
occulting white light bears 24°, when alter course for it, keeping it 
on that bearing, and taking care not to open the red sector of that 
light bearing 28°. When abreast the western Tas de Pois, edge to 
the eastward to bring the fixed white light on Petit Minou Point 
just open westward of Toulinguet Point, bearing 12°, and keep it so 
until St. Mathieu Point Light is hidden by the southern side of the 
Rochers du Toulinguet; alter course then to round Le Pohen Rock— 
which can be distinguished in the darkest night if there is no fog— 
closely, and when well past it round to the northward and eastward 
and follow the directions previously given for the Goulet, taking 
care not to be swept onto the Fillettes if making for the northern 
channel with the flood stream running. 

The tidal streams set fairly through the channel between Tas de 
Pois and Pointe du Toulinguet, and attain a velocity of 2 to 3 knots 
at springs; the streams make 4 hour after high and low water at 
Brest. 

Chenal or Passage du Petit Leac’h lies between the Pelen Rock, 
with a black and white beacon tower, the two Mendufas, and Tou- 
linguet Rock on the eastern side, and Petit Leac’h Rock, with a black 
beacon tower, and the Corbin on the western. 

Having passed through the Raz de Sein, steer 0°, with La Vielle 
Lighthouse astern, Avhich leads about f mile westward of the red buoy 
of the Basse du Lis, after passing which steer to the eastward to 


116 


BREST. 


bring the leading mark through the passage on, which is the steeple of 
St. Martin seen in the middle of the Goulet—that is, between Portzic 
Point and Cornouailles Point—bearing 43°. The depth in the chan¬ 
nel is 8 to 9 fathoms, and its least width is 600 yards. The tower on 
Petit Leac’h can be passed tolerably close. The extremity of Cap 
de la Chevre just open eastward of the western Tas de Pols leads 
between the Toulinguet Rocks and Pelen Rock in not less than 35 
feet water. 

Chenal or Passage du Corbeau lies between the Corbeau and the 
Pontchou. It is narrow, with rocky patches of 4 and 4j fathoms in 
it and is rarely used. 

Passage between the Parquette and Astrolabe is about 1.3 
miles wide, with general depths of 14 to 22 fathoms, with some rocky 
patches with from 6 to 10 fathoms of water over them lying south¬ 
ward of La Parquette. 

Having passed through the Raz de Sein, steer to pass about 1 mile 
westward of the red buoy of the Basse du Lis, and continue north¬ 
ward with Conquet church steeple in line with the house of St. 
Mathieu Point old semaphore, bearing 350°, which leads toward the 
entrance to the Chenal du Four; Lochrist Church on with the western 
Pignon de Keravel, bearing 354° also leads through. These marks 
lead close westward of Basse du Lis. Parquette Tower may be left 
about 1 mile to the eastward. 

At night. —From the Raz de Sein, steer 358° with La Vieille 
Light astern and St. Mathieu Point Light ahead, but the bearing of 
the latter must be accurate^ preserved. When La Parquette Light 
bears 40° steer toward it until St. Mathieu Point Light bears 349°, 
when alter course to that direction which leads through the passage. 
It is, however, preferable to proceed westward of La Vandree at 
night. 

Westward of La Vandree. —In thick weather vessels from the 
Raz de Sein to Brest must pass westward of La Vandree. Trezien 
Lighthouse in line with Kermorvan Lighthouse, bearing 7° or their 
lights at night, leads westward of the Basse de l’lroise, eastward of 
the Basse du Laborieux, and over the western end of the foul ground 
westward of Le Vandree. These marks should only be used in very 
fine weather. The Vandree should be given a berth of at least 4 miles 
with strong westerly winds. The eastern end of Beniguet Island, 
in line with Bossemen Occidental 352°, leads 1.3 miles westward of 
the rock. 

Brest is a fortified town and an important naval port. It is situ¬ 
ated near the western extremity of the department of Finistere and 
on the northern side of the Rade de Brest. 

The town is built on the summits and slopes of hills, the upper 
and lower parts being connected by steep streets and in some places 


BREST. 


117 


by steps. It is situated on both banks of the Penfeld River, a small 
stream flowing into the northern part of Brest Road, and there is 
communication between the two parts of the town by a swing bridge 
65 feet above high water. The town is encircled by ramparts, which, 
being planted with trees, form agreeable promenades and afford a 
fine view of the port. The population in 1911, including the suburb, 
was 90,540. 

Trade.— The chief exports are potatoes, fruit, vegetables, tannic 
extract, rags, and some burnt ore. The chief imports are wines, coal, 
timber, lobsters, chemical manure, and phosphates. 

The United States is represented by a consular agent. 

Shipping. —The number of vessels of all nationalities that entered 
the port during 1913 was 8,986, with a tonnage of 551,587. 

Communication.— There is steam communication to the principal 
ports of France, and a service, fortnightly or more frequently be¬ 
tween Antwerp, Brest, and Nantes. There is railway communica¬ 
tion by the French system and telegraphic communication with the 
universal telegraph system. The Anglo-American Telegraph Co. 
and the French Trans-Atlantic Telegraph Co. have offices in Brest. 
The telegraph office is always open. 

Radiotelegraph.—There is a radiotelegraph station at Brest, 
open to the public from 7 a. m. to 10 p. m.; call letters T Q F. 

There are the ordinary quarantine regulations, and the use of the 
lazaret is granted gratis. There are no diseases against which un¬ 
usual precautions are necessary, but when the winter is particularly 
damp, cases of typhoid fever are somewhat frequent. There are no 
special customhouse regulations. 

Hospital.—Sailors can obtain admission to the civil hospital 
through their respective consuls. There is no sailors’ home. 

Climate.— The climate of Brest is generally damp; there is neither 
excessive heat nor severe cold. 

Supplies.— All necessary supplies can be obtained; provisions are 
plentiful; water, supplied in the roads by water tank, costs 20 cents 
per ton. 

Coal.— Besides coal belonging to the French Government, there are 
usually about 13,000 tons of coal kept in stock, the average price 
being $5 per ton. There are also about 2,000 tons of patent fuel. 
Steamers can coal alongside a wharf about 400 feet long, with a 
depth alongside of from 19 to 23 feet at low-water springs. There 
are Government lighters, but no private one, for coaling in the roads. 
There are also several tugs and labor is plentiful. 

Time signal. —At a mast near the observatory of the nautical 
schools, situated at the Fer a Cheval battery on the right bank of the 
Penfeld River, an egg-shaped black ball or balloon is hoisted up 
expanded at 21h. 55m. a. m. and collapsed at 22h. 00m. 00s. a. m., 


118 


BREST. 


Greenwich mean time. Signal is repeated at 22h. 2m. 00s. a. m., 
Greenwich mean time. 

Dockyard. —The mouth of the Penfield is reserved exclusively as 
a port for vessels of the French Navy, and, although there are 30 feet 
in it at low water, it is narrow, and vessels lie in a single tier. Ihe 
dockyard is on both sides of the river and consists of graving docks, 
victualing yard, and seamen’s barracks. The naval hospital is above 
the dockyard. 

Docks. 1 —There are nine Government dry docks and one commer¬ 
cial dry dock; also two gridirons. (For details, see Appendix 11.) 
The use of the Government dry docks can always be obtained through 
the consular agent. 

Repairs. —In addition to the Government establishment, there are 
facilities in the tidal basin at Brest for repairs to either hull or 
machinery. 

Port regulations. —1. The avant port includes the river from 
Fer a Cheval to the first floating bridge, and is open at all hours of 
the day to boats of foreign men-of-war. 

2. Boats should land at the Gueydon Bridge, officers on the Brest 
side, other boats on the opposite side. 

3. Boats entering the avant port at night will be hailed by a sentry; 
they should answer with their ship’s name. 

4. Boat sailing is prohibited in the avant port. Steamboats must 
not exceed 6 knots. 

5. Boats entering and leaving the avant port must give a prolonged 
blast on the steam whistle. 

6. No refuse must be thrown overboard in the Bade Abri. 

7. Foreign men-of-war entering the Port de Commerce, and which 
use liquid fuel, must report the fact to the bureau of the port. 

8. The following signals are hoisted at the semaphore of the Parc 
au Due, and by the guard ship, when communication is rendered diffi¬ 
cult by bad weather with ships in the road: 

A cylinder—all navigation in the road prohibited. 

A cylinder over a cone—navigation in the road permitted only to 
steamboats. 

A cylinder over an inverted cone—landing of sailing boats pro¬ 
hibited. ' 

Compass adjustment. —Buoys are placed for swinging ship to 
adjust compasses off the entrance to the Anse de Auberlac’h. 

Southeastern part of the Bade de Brest. —That portion of the 
harbor eastward of the line between Pointe de l’Armorique and He 
Longue, on both of which are forts, extends about 9 miles eastward 

1 The French Government has appointed a number of officials to report upon a scheme 
for the transformation of the port of Brest into a great trans-Atlantic commercial port. 




BREST. 119 

to Landevenec, at the entrance to the Riviere de Chateaulin, arid has 
a width varying from 3 miles to 1 mile. 

On the northern side, He Ronde, which has a white spot painted 
on its western side as a measured distance mark, lies about 400 yards 
208° from Pointe de l’Armorique, with a boat channel between them. 
Between ArmoriquG and Doubidy Points is the Anse de Auberlac’h, 
with general depths of 1J to 2J fathoms. About 2 miles farther east¬ 
ward is the extensive shallow bay of Daoulas, between Pointes Pen 
a Land and Du Binde, about l.T miles apart. The Riviere de Daoulas 
discharges into this bay, which partly dries at low water. At high 
water vessels of 9^ feet draft can reach Daoulas, situated between 3 
and 4 miles up the river. 

Between Pointes Doubidy and Du Binde the northern side of the 
harbor is fronted by a shallow bank, dry in some spots, the eastern 
part of which, named the Banc du Binde, lying 1.2 miles southward 
of Pen a Land Point, forms the northern side of the deep channel up 
the harbor. 

On the southern side of the harbor, Anse du Fret, situated 
between lie Longue and Pointe Lanveoc, on which are a fort and 
beacon, has depths of from 1 fathom to 2 j fathoms, and dries in one 
spot. The bay recedes 1.5 miles within the entrance points, which 
are l.T miles apart. On the high ground southwestward of Lanveoc 
Point are two mills, the western of which, named Kernevez Mill, is 
nearly 1,400 yards distant from the beacon on the point, and in con¬ 
junction with it is used as a measured distance mark. A landing place 
marked by a red beacon is situated at the head of the bay southeast¬ 
ward of Le Fret, from which place a stone jetty, which covers, ex¬ 
tends about 200 yards northeastward, and is marked by a red beacon. 
There is a considerable passenger traffic from Le Fret to Brest. 

Penarvir Point, nearly 2 miles eastward of Lanveoc Point, is 
marked by a measured distance beacon; rocks which dry 8 feet at 
low water extend 200 yards from the point. On the eastern side of 
the point is the Anse du Poulmic, which is shoal for the most part, 
but near the head of the bay is a narrow gully a mile in length in 
which the depth is about 3^ fathoms. 

Between Penarvir Point and the Traverse de PHopital shoal water 
extends from J to 1.2 miles from the shore up to the edge of the deep 
channel. The eastern part of this bank, named Banc du Capelan, 
dries 1 foot at low water. 

The Bois du Poulmic, on the high land above the eastern part of 
the Anse du Poulmic, is used in conjunction with the beacon on 
Penarvir Point as the leading mark for the measured distance. 

Channel— Bar— Depth.— The channel leading eastward, between 
the banks already mentioned to the entrance of the Riviere de Cha- 
21235 °— 17——9 



120 


BREST. 


teaulin, is deep and wide until abreast Pointe Pen a Land on the 
northern shore, when it contracts to J mile in width. About 1.5 
miles eastward of. Pointe du Binde and abreast the mouth of the 
Riviere de l’Hopital is a bar named Traverse de l’Hopital, about 
350 yards across, on which the depth is 1J fathoms at lowest water. 
Inside the bar the water is deep, and continues so for some distance 
above Landevenec. 

Buoyage.—The channel is buoyed on the uniform system as far 
as Landevenec Anchorage, black buoys to port and red buoys to star¬ 
board when proceeding eastward. The first black buoy (No. 1) is 
moored on the edge of the bank southward of Pointe Doubidy, and 
the first red buoy (No. 2) lies nearly 4.5 miles eastward, on the 
northeast side of the Capelan Bank. 

Measured distance. —At the entrance of the southeastern part 
of Brest Road is a measured distance for testing the speed of steam 
vessels. It is about 4,362 yards in length in a 302° and opposite 
direction, on the alignment of the Bois du Poulmic and the beacon 
on Point Penarvir, and is marked by three buoys, the center one 
of which divides the distance into two unequal parts measuring 
6,617 and 6,470 feet, respectively. The western end of the distance 
is marked by the alignment of Rostellec Beacon and the red tower 
of Le Grenoc bearing 211°; the eastern by Kernevez Mill and the 
beacon on Lanveoc Point in line bearing 211°, and the division of 
the distance by the beacon on Pointe du Carreau in line with the white 
spot on He Ronde bearing 37°. 

Anchorages.— There is good anchorage for large vessels in from 
64 to 8 fathoms off the entrance to the Anse de Auberlac’h, southeast¬ 
ward of the compass buoys. Small vessels find shelter in the inner 
part of the bay in from 9 to 13 feet water, mud bottom. In Anse du 
Fret vessels of 10 to 13 feet draft find anchorage in from 2J to 2| 
fathoms, mud, with Treberon Island seen over the lowland inside 
He Longue. There is anchorage for small craft in Anse du Poul¬ 
mic in 14 fathoms, with Plougastel Church in line with the center 
Traoulior Mill bearing 11° and Espagnols Point open northward of 
Penarvir Point. 

Riviere de Chateaulin.— From the Traverse de l’Hopital or bar 
the course of the river channel is winding for about 4 miles, with 
depths of from 54 to 9 fathoms at low water. It then trends south¬ 
eastward. 

Eastward of the bar the channel is bordered on both sides by mud 
banks, dry at low water. That eastward of Landevenec extends 4 
mile from the shore and its contour is marked by three red buoys. 
Eastward of Landevenec, on the right bank of the river, is the 
inlet named Riviere du Faou, which extends inland for about 3 miles 


121 


PEN IIIR POINT—CAP PE La CHEVRE. 

to Faou, a village of 1,200 inhabitants. Faou has quays alongside, 
which small craft can ground safely, and can be reached at springs 
by vessels of 11J feet draft, and at neaps by those of 6^ feet. In the 
bight westward of Landevenec vessels in reserve are moored. 

Directions.— The house in Fort Delec shut in behind Espagnols 
Point leads southwestward of Basse du Renard, the shoal water off 
He Ronde, and No. 1 black buoy. When Chat mill, above Le Fret, 
comes in line with the upper part of the road to the left of Fort 
Lanveoc bearing 258°, steer eastward with this mark astern, which 
leads southward of the black buoys and up to No. 2 red buoy. The 
least depth on this course will be 5J fathoms at low water. From 
abreast No. 2 red buoy steer between the buoys, across the Traverse 
de THopital, with 1J fathoms at low water, and through the channel 
to the anchorage of Landevenec, above which vessels should not pro¬ 
ceed without a pilot. 

Port Launay, on the right bank of the Chateaulin River, 13 miles 
above Landevenec, is a village of 1,100 inhabitants, and is the port of 
Chateaulin. There is a wet dock or basin, with four discharging 
places, entered through a lock. (For details, see Appendix II.) 
Vessels of 13-feet draft can reach Port Launay at springs, and those 
of about 10 feet draft at neaps. 

Onlv the smallest coasters can reach the town of Chateaulin, above 
which the river is tortuous, and only barges of about 3 feet draft 
can reach the Brest-Nantes Canal. 

Tides.—It is high water at Port Launay half an hour after the 
time of high water at Brest. Springs rise 22J feet, neaps 17£ feet, 
equivalent to nearly 16J feet and 13J feet, respectively, above the 
apron of the lower lock entrance. 

Coast.— The coast from Pen Hir Point to Cap de la Chevre is 
high, and consists generally of steep black cliffs, in which are several 
deep caves. From Pen Hir Point it trends east-northeastward for 
about 3 miles, forming two sandy bays, the Anse de Pen Hir and 
Anse de Dinant, between Portzen and Dinant Points. The coast is 
lower at the head of Dinant Bay than on either side of it. 

There is good open anchorage in Dinant Bay with winds from 
north to south through east, in about 7 fathoms, sand, with Portzen 
Point bearing 5°, but small craft may anchor farther in, in 3f fath¬ 
oms at low water. 

From Pointe de Dinant, south side of the bay, the coast trends 
southward for 4 miles to Cap de la Chevre. Foul ground extends 
from 400 to 1,200 yards off it. 

Dangers.—Basse de Dinant, with 1] fathoms on it at low water 
and 10 to 12 fathoms around, lies about f mile 160° from Pen Hir 
Point and about the same distance 105° from the western Tas de 
Pois. 


122 


CAP DE LA CHEVBE. 


La Chevre (Ar Chaor), a rock, 5 feet high, lies 1.1 miles 256° 
from the southern end of Dinant Point. Another head close east¬ 
ward dries 14 feet and shoal water extends 200 yards northward. 
There are depths of 8 to 12 fathoms around. 

Le Chevreau—Beacon. —Le Chevreau Rock (Menu Chaor) 
dries 21 feet and lies 241° 0.6 mile from La Chevre. Between them is 
a patch of 5J fathoms. Elsewhere the water is deep. A red iron 
beacon, 23 feet high, with conical top mark, has been erected on the 
rock and shows 16 feet above high water. 

Basse due Chevreau, a small rocky patch, with 2J fathoms over it 
and 9 to 15 fathoms around, lies 1.3 miles west-southwest of Le Chev¬ 
reau. La Queue du Chevreau, a patch of T fathoms, lies J mile south- 
south westward of the basse. 

Le Bouc (Ar Bouc’h) is 2 feet high and shows 26 feet at lowest 
tides. It stands in the center of a narrow shoal rocky ridge about 
350 yards long north and south, with depths of 8 to 13 fathoms 
around, and bears 2.7 miles 301° from the western part of Cap de la 
Chevre. The light on Pointe de Millier is obscured over Le Bouc. 

La Queue du Bouc, a rocky patch of 64 fathoms, lies nearly a mile 
northwest of Le Bouc. 

Basse du Bouc is a small rocky patch of 4f fathoms lying 1,700 
yards 262° from the Bouc, with 15 to 17 fathoms around it. 

lie Gueneron, 59 feet high, is small and near the land. There is 
no passage between it and the mainland, except for boats. Nearly 
200 yards southwest of it a rock dries 7 feet at low water. 

Clearing marks. —Toulinguet Rock seen between La Fourche and 
the western Tas de Pois, bearing 343°, leads westward of Le Chev¬ 
reau and the Roche de la Butte and eastward of Le Bouc and Basse 
Vieille. It also leads between the two Cornes de la Chevre. 

The sempahore of Creac’h Meur, in line with the summit of La 
Fourche, bearing 327°, leads between La Chevre and Le Chevreau. 

Beuzec Church, south side of Douarnenez Bay, in line with the 
western extremity of Cap de la Chevre, bearing 162° leads between 
La Chevre and Dinant Point. 

Cap de la Chevre (Beg ar Chaor), the northwestern point of 
Douarnenez Bay, forms high steep cliffs, the land immediately be¬ 
hind rising to a height of 319 feet. A rocky bank named Chaussee 
du Cap de la Chevre extends 231° about 1 mile from the cape. It is 
shoal in places and terminates in the Roche de la Butte, that has 14 
feet water over it. It should be avoided, as there is generally a 
swell on it, and in bad weather all the space between the cape and 
Basse Vieille is filled with breakers. 

In the passage between this chaussee and Basse Vieille are the 
Cornes de la Chevre, the northwestern having 4J fathoms and the 
southeastern 4J fathoms over it. 


BAIE DE DOUARNENEZ. 


123 


Semaphore.—A semaphore is established on top of the cape, and 
consists of a white house surmounted by an iron mast, painted black, 
with movable arms, and a signal mast. 

Basse Vieille—Buoy. —Basse Vieille, a shoal about 800 yards in 
length east and west, within the 10-fathom, limit, and 500 yards in 
width, is steep-to, having 12 to 17 fathoms close around, and its 
highest rock, situated at the southeast side, uncovers about 4 feet at 
lowest water. It lies with the semaphore on Cap de la Chevre bear¬ 
ing 2.4 miles 42° and it is marked on its southern side by a spar 
buoy painted red and black in horizontal bands with a ball top mark. 

Beacon. —A beacon is being erected on Basse Vieille (1913). 

The sea generally breaks on the rock. La Vieille Rock Lighthouse, 
shut in by Pointe du Van, leads southeastward of Basse Vieille, 
which also is covered by a sector of fixed red light from the light¬ 
house on Point de Millier. 

La Lentille, a rock which dries 0 feet, lies about 700 yards 188° 
from the semaphore, and 0.7 mile 227° from the same point is Roche 
du Moulin, with 3 fathoms over it; £ mile eastward of La Lentille 
and nearer the shore, Basse Plate dries 19 feet at lowest water. 
Basse Lave, a rock with 1 foot of water over it, lies 0.7 mile 149° 
from the semaphore. 

Baie de Douarnenez. —This bay is 10 miles deep east and west, 
about 7 miles wide, and the entrance, between Cap de la Chevre and 
Pointe de Millier, is 5 miles across. It affords precarious shelter 
with westerly winds, for the swell is then very heavy, and, rounding 
the points, is felt everywhere in the bay. 

Northern side of the hay.—Anse de St. Nicolas, a small bay 
eastward of Cap de la Chevre and northward of Men Cos Rock, 5 
feet high, gives good shelter for small vessels with winds from the 
northwestward. The anchorage is abreast the center of the bay in 
about 4J fathoms, with Pointes de Morgat and de Rostudel in line. 

Anse de Morgat, in the northwestern part of the bay and about 
4 miles from Cap de la Chevre, is of no importance, but is remark 
able for its caves; it offers good shelter to large ships, with winds 
from northwest to east, through north, but the holding ground is 
indifferent. At the head of the bay is a small port formed by a mole, 
where there is landing and where fishing boats take the ground. 

Anchorage. —There is anchorage in from 6 to 7 fathoms, sand, 
with Crozon Church steeple bearing 352° and the jetty in line with 
the rocks off Pointe de Morgat. Small craft can anchor within 400 
yards of Pointe des Grottes in about 2 fathoms, with Pointes de 
Morgat and de Rostudel in line. 

Light.— A fixed light with white, red, and green sectors is ex¬ 
hibited 253 feet above high water from a rectangular tower, 32 feet 
high, with a white keeper’s dwelling attached, on Pointe de Morgat. 


124 


BAIE DE DOUARNENEZ. 


The white light is visible 16, the red 16, and the green 11 miles. (See 
Light List.) 

Life saving. —There are life-saving appliances at the custom¬ 
house at Morgat. 

Dangers.—In the northern part of the bay there are several rocks, 
some of which are uncovered, while others appear only at low water. 
The outermost of these is La Pierre Profonde, 13 feet high. About 
400 yards to the northward of it is Le Taureau, which uncovers 5 feet, 
with a 34-fathom patch between them, and 4 mile farther northward 
the Basse Rip, a knoll with 6 fathoms water. About 4 mile eastward 
of the Taureau is a 3-fathom patch named Basse Creix, and about 4 
mile eastward of the Taureau are Les Yerres, 29 feet high, north by 
east of which, and near He de Laber, is Bocher Laber, 68 feet high. 
Westward of lie de Laber, and 4 mile southward of Pointe de Trebe- 
ron, is Basse de Treberon, a rocky patch with 34 fathoms on it. 

A rocky spit, with 44 fathoms of water, extends about j mile south¬ 
ward from Pointe du Bellec, 2.7 miles southeast of lie de Laber, and 
shoal water extends from 4 to 1 mile from the eastern shores of 
Douarnenz Bay. 

In the eastern part of the bay there are several rocky patches with 
depths of from 4f to 64 fathoms, with sand around, lying at distances 
varying from 1 to 2 miles from the shore. The outermost of these 
are the Basses Nevez, with from 54 to 64 fathoms, about 2 miles west¬ 
ward of Pointe Talagrip. Others are the Basses Augustine and Ste. 
Anne, with 5 fathoms, and Basse Philippe Devro, with 6 fathoms. 

Large vessels should not approach within 1.5 miles of the eastern 
shores of the bay, between Pierre Profonde Hock and Tristan Isle. 
The bottom is of sand, and the holding indifferent eastward of a line 
between Pointe du Bellec and Hermitage Rock. 

Southern side of the hay—Coast. —From Pointe du Van, the 
southern shore of Douarnenez Bay trends in an easterly direction 
for nearly 16 miles to Douarnenez, and is high and steep, with several 
projecting points, some of which have rocks oft 1 them and are dan¬ 
gerous to approach. 

Landmarks. —Beuzec Church spire, on the southern side of the 
bay, 8.2 miles eastward of Pointe du Van, is conspicuous. Kerlofin 
landmark, 0.6 mile southward of Pointe de la Jument, is used as a 
measured distance leading mark. Plouare Church, southward of 
Douarnenez, has a tall spire. Douarnenez new church has a square 
tower. Other churches and numerous mills are situated around 
Douarnenez Bay at varying distances from the shore. 

Pointe de Brezellec, 2 miles eastward of Pointe du Van, has 
several rocks off it; the outermost, lying 300 yards 298° from the 
point, is awash at high water. About midway between Brezellec 
Point and Pointe du Van is Castelmeur Point, with a 2f -fathom 


POINTE DE MILLIER. 


125 


patch 300 yards 298° from it; and in the bay, west-soutliwestward of 
Brezellec Point, Le Trepied Rock, 8 feet high, lies near the shore. 

Rocks above and below water extend } mile northward of Pointe 
de Penharn, nearly 1.5 miles eastward of Pointe de Brezellec; J mile 
47° from the point is a rocky patch of 2f fathoms, and 400 yards 331° 
from the same point is a rock with 1J fathoms over it. 

Duellou, a rock 13 feet high, lies 1.6 miles 61° from Pointe de 
Penharn and J mile offshore. Several rocks lie a short distance 
southward of it, one of which is awash at high water. Forhic, a rock 
drying 4 feet, is 300 yards eastward of Duellou. 

Grand Crom—Beacon. —Grand Crom, a rock 29 feet high and 
marked by a beacon, lies 400 yards offshore, 4.2 miles westward of 
Millier Point and 1.2 miles eastward of Duellou. Shoal water and a 
rock that dries 2 feet lie 700 yards 107° from Grand Crom, between 
which and Duellou are the Danou Rocks, above water, nearer the 
land. 

Light—Pointe de Millier.— From a semicircular projection on 
the front of a house 20 feet high, on the extremity of Pointe de 
Millier, nearly 10.5 miles eastward of Pointe du Van, a fixed white 
and red light is exhibited at an elevation of 112 feet above high 
water. The white light is visible 16 miles and the red light 13 miles. 
(See Light List.) 

Anchorages. —Temporary anchorage in offshore winds may be 
had in 8 or 9 fathoms of water in the bay between Castelmeur and 
Brezellec Points; in the bay westward of Pointe de Penharn; and 
westward of Pointe de Lesven, in the bay between Grand Crom and 
Pointe de Luguene, avoiding the rock previously mentioned. 

Coast. —Between Millier Point and Pointe de Leide, 4 miles to the 
eastward, the coast is steep and may be approached to a distance of 
400 yards. Pointe de la Jument, 2.2 miles eastward of Millier Point, 
has some rocks a short distance off it. Between Leide Point and 
Tristan Isle, about 1.3 miles to the southeast, shoal water extends 700 
yards from the shore, surrounding Rocher Coulinet and La Tete de 
Pierre, the latter 3 feet high. 

Dangers.—Basse Meur, with 2J fathoms on it at lowest water, 
lies 0.9 mile east-northeastward of Leide Point, 1,150 yards offshore, 
and is the outermost of 3 rocky patches extending about 0.8 mile 
north-northwestward from Tristan Isle. The other shoals are the 
Petite Basse Neuve, with 2£ fathoms, and the Basse Neuve, with 5 
feet on it, the latter depth being 800 yards from the isle. These 
shoals lie with the center of Tristan Isle in line with Plouare 
Church. 

Clearing marks. —Pointe de Millier, open northward of Pointe 
de la Jument, leads northward of Basse Meur, and Douarnenez 
Mole in sight eastward of Hermitage Rock, leads eastward. Plouare 


126 


PORT RHU. 


Church in line with the eastern side of Tristan Isle bearing 149° 
also leads eastward. 

Tristan Isle, 400 yards long north and south and 250 yards broad, 
lies off the entrance to Port Rhu, and about 600 yards southeast¬ 
ward of it is Hermitage Rock (lie Flimiau), 66 feet high. 

A rocky ledge that dries extends 300 yards southward of Tristan 
Isle to the edge of the Passe du Guet. In about the center of the 
ledge is St. Michel Islet. 

Lights.— On the summit of Tristan Isle, from a gray round tower 
31 feet high is exhibited 115 feet above high water a fixed white 
light, visible 8 miles. 

A fixed green light, 23 feet above high water and visible 3 miles, 
is shown from a lamp-post with hut, both painted white, at the end 
of Rosmeur Grand Mole, Douarnenez. (See Light List.) 

Buoys.— A white buoy, number 1, is moored 200 yards eastward 
of the end of the Grand Mole, Port de Rosmeur, and another number 
2, is moored midway between Hermitage Rock and Tristan Isle. 

Anchorage.— The best anchorage for large vessels off the town 
of Douarnenez is in 5 fathoms, mud and sand, with Plouare Church 
in line with Hermitage Rock bearing 165°, the latter distant about 
700 yards, and St. Jean Chapel open northward of Tristan Isle, but 
a vessel should be prepared to proceed to sea at the first appearance 
of bad weather, as with northerly and westerly winds a very heavy 
sea rises immediately, and the anchorage becomes unsafe. Small 
vessels can anchor about midway between Hermitage Rock and Tris¬ 
tan Isle in 2J fathoms mud. 

There is good shelter inside the mole for small vessels. 

Douarnenez, a town of 11,000 inhabitants,, on the southern shore 
of the bay, is a very active fishery center. There is a small harbor 
to the eastward of the town called Port de Rosmeur, formed by a 
mole, behind which is excellent shelter for small craft, where they 
can ground safely. A white buoy is moored off the mole. Vessels 
must pass eastward of it. 

Port Rhu.— Westward of the town, and situated in the Poul- 
david River, is Port Rhu, a tidal harbor used by merchant vessels. 
The whole harbor dries from 4 to 11 feet at lowest water, and is 
crossed by a bridge about j mile above the entrance. Two passes 
lead to Port Rhu—Grande Passe, between Tristan Isle and the point 
northeastward of Treboul, and the Passe du Guet, very narrow, 
southward of lie St. Michel. Both passes are marked by beacons. 
There are two quays on the eastern side of the harbor. On the west¬ 
ern side, at Pointe de Biron, a mole is being constructed, and 400 
yards within the entrance an inlet extends westward for J mile, with 
the village of Treboul along its north shore. There is railroad com¬ 
munication via Quimper, and also to Audierne. The station is on the 


DOUARNENEZ. 127 

west side of the port. Plouare Church, on a high hill to the southeast 
of Douarnenez, is a fine specimen of architecture. 

Supplies. —Provisions and coal can be obtained at Douarnenez. 

Life saving 1 .—A lifeboat is stationed at Port de Rosmeur, 
Douarnenez, and life-saving apparatus at Treboul. 

Pilots. —There are pilots at Douarnenez who go off in fishing 
boats, and are capable of piloting vessels to Brest and through the 
Raz de Sein. 

Directions—By day from the northward. —The usual route 
from Brest to Douarnenez Bay in fine weather is by the Chenal du 
Toulinguet; and, having passed westward of the Tas de Pois, bring 
the Toulinguet Rock between La Fourche and the western Tas de 
Pois, bearing 344° astern until the Sommet du Menehom (1,074 feet 
high, standing about 3 miles back from the shore in the eastern part 
of Douarnenez Bay) opens southward of Cap de la Chevre, bearing 
76°, then steer 112°, with Plouare Church seen in a cutting in the 
wood to the east of Pointe de la Jument; or a course may be shaped 
for Pointe de Leide, which will lead | mile southward of Basse Laye. 

If proceeding to Morgat from the northward or westward, the 
Verres Rocks in line with Morne Treboul, a conical hill near Pointe 
de Treboul, bearing 50°, leads southeastward of all dangers off Cap 
de la Chevre. 

When approaching Douarnenez Bay from the westward Millier 
Point Lighthouse, bearing 107°, leads about 0.9 mile southward of 
Basse Vieille. 

From the southward Duellou Rock, in line with Jument Point, 
leads south of the Basse Jaune, and to the Duellou and Forhic Rocks, 
which are steep and should be passed on their northern side at a 
moderate distance; the Forhic dries 4 feet. Having passed the latter 
keep about | mile offshore until abreast Leide Point, when bring 
Millier Point Lighthouse open northward of Jument Point, astern, 
which leads northward of Basse Meur; and when Plouare Church is 
in line with the eastern side of Tristan Isle bearing 149°, steer south¬ 
eastward for the anchorage off Douarnenez. 

In approaching Douarnenez Anchorage in hazy weather, Plouare 
Church is conspicuous and is often seen before Tristan Island. 

By night from the northward. —Vessels from Brest to Douar¬ 
nenez generally pass through the Chenal du Toulinguet and steer 
197°, with the occulting white light on Toulinguet Point bearing 
17° astern, until within the sector of fixed white light from Millier 
Point, between the bearings of 132° and 119°, when that light should 
be steered for on a 127° bearing, taking care not to enter the red sector 
which covers Basse Vielle, and also to keep well within the northern 
limit of the white sector, which passes inside the Roche de la Butte. 


DOUARNENEZ. 


128 

If proceeding outside Basse Vielle, continue with Toulinguet Point 
Light astern, bearing 17°, until the vessel is across the red and has 
entered the southern white sector of Millier Point Light, when the 
iatter light should be steered for. When within a mile of Millier 
Point steer to the eastward, keeping the light on that point bearing 
southward of 248° until Tristan Light is seen, when steer more 
southerly to place the vessel on the southern limit of the white sector 
of Millier Point Light, bearing 253°, until the green light on Douar- 
nenez Mole is well open eastward of Hermitage Pock, bearing 145°, 
which will lead to the anchorage, passing eastward of Basse Meur 
and Basses Neuve. 

From the Paz de Sein steer northeastward until within the 
southern white sector of Millier Point Light, when steer toward it, 
keeping within the southern limit of the sector, and pass the light at 
the distance of ^ mile or more, crossing red, white, and obscured 
sectors into the eastern white sector; bring the light to bear 248° 
astern, and keep it so until Tristan Light is seen, when proceed as 
directed in the preceding paragraph. 

Measured distance—Beacons. —On the southern side of the ap¬ 
proach to Douarnenez Bay a measured distance for testing the speed 
of vessels has been established, on the alignment of Kerlofin Land¬ 
mark and Millier Point Lighthouse 91°. The distance, 8,771 yards in 
length, is limited on the east by the beacon on Grand Crom in line 
with a pyramid on the coast, bearing 187°, and on the west by the 
Brezellec Beacons, 2 white pyramids about 700 yards apart, bearing 
when in line 180° and situated southward of Brezellec Point. The 
latter beacons are 37 and 19 feet high above the ground, and the 
southernmost stands 700 yards east-northeastward of Iverbisquyen 
Mill. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
Douarnenez at 3h. 34m.; springs rise 18J feet, neaps 13f feet 
above low-water ordinary springs, which is about 4^ feet above the 
level to which the soundings on the chart are reduced. The Hood 
stream sets eastward along the southern shore of Douarnenez Bay; 
near Cap de la Chevre it sets northeastward and curves round the 
head of the bay. The ebb stream sets in the contrarv direction 
to the flood. At spring tides the velocity of the streams in the nar¬ 
rowest part of the bay, between Cap de la Chevre and Pointe de 
Luguene, is 2 knots an hour, which gradually diminishes toward the 
head of the bay. The streams turn at the times of high and low 
water, except on the southern side of the bay, where the ebb stream 
commences at 1J to 2 hours before high water. • 

The coast from Pointe du Paz to Pointe de l’Ervily, a distance of 
7.5 miles, is high, and the salient points may be approached within 
J mile. Coumoudoc Islet is a large rock lying close off the coast 


AUDIEBNE BAY. 


129 


south-south west ward of the semaphore on the Raz. Pointe de 
l’Ervily, though low, may be known by the tower and semaphore, 
which is a white house surmounted by a black mast with arms, and 
also a signal mast on it. The slender spire of Premelin Church, 
northeastward of Pointe du Castel, and the large tower of St. Eugen 
Church, northeastward of Anse du Cabestan, are conspicuous. 

Feunteunot Cove, just eastward of Feunteunot Point, which is 
about 2 miles southeastward of Pointe du Kaz, is sheltered from 
winds between east and west through north, when it affords con¬ 
venient anchorage for a small vessel waiting the turn of the stream 
through the Kaz du Sein. It is much used by fishing boats in sum¬ 
mer. Water can be procured at the head of the cove from a brook 
near a slipway. In Le Loc’li, a shallow bay between Pointes Tide- 
vete and Du Castel, there is also a slipway and winch. 

Semaphore.—There is a semaphore on Pointe de l’Ervily. 

Dangers.—Moullec Rock has already been described. 

Basse ar C’harn, about 2.7 miles 135° from the Vieille Rock, and 
over a mile off the land, is a patch of 4J fathoms with 7 and 8 
fathoms around. The sea breaks on it in heavy southwesterly 
weather. 

Ninkinou Shoals, over a mile east-southeastward of Basse ar 
C’harn, have a depth of 2 fathoms over their shoalest part. 

Basses Piriou, about 1.2 miles farther east-southeastward and 1.3 
miles offshore, have a least depth of 3J fathoms on them. 

A rocky patch of 5J fathoms lies 1,300 yards 214° from Penanenes 
Point, and Basse Caristique, with 5J fathoms on it, lies 0.8 mile 264° 
from Pointe de l’Ervily. 

The above-mentioned dangers should be avoided in bad weather, 
even by vessels that can cross them without touching. 

Clearing marks.—Tevennec Lighthouse, open westward of the 
Adeille Lighthouse, leads westward of these shoals; and He du Sein 
Lighthouse, in line with Ar Gador Mill, leads southward of them. 

Audierne Bay.—The coast from Pointe de l’Ervily curves south¬ 
eastward to Penmarc’h Point, distant 14.2 miles 148°, and forms the 
extensive bay of Audierne, which is nearly 4 miles deep. The shore 
of this bay is rather high, of a dark color, and bordered by rocks, 
except from Notre Dame de Penhors to the Anse de la Torche, where 
it descends in gentle slopes to a shingle beach. The bay offers no 
shelter ard is considered dangerous in bad weather on account of 
the breakers, which extend over a mile from its shores. Should a 
ship be compelled to run on shore the only place where there is a good 
grounding is in the Anse de la Torche, but care must be taken to 
avoid the rocks. 


130 


ATJDIEENE HOAD. 


Landmarks.—The only remarkable object on this coast is the 
steeple of Plouhinec, about 2 miles eastward of Audierne, which may 
generally be seen from a great distance even before the land in the 
vicinity is visible. The following objects are conspicuous from Au¬ 
dierne Road, in addition to the beacon towers mentioned below: The 
spire of Beuzec church, 4 miles northeastward of the entrance to the 
port; the sharp steeple of Esquibien, nearly a mile westward of the 
town; a white pyramid, about a mile eastward of the jetty head, and 
a smaller pyramid on the shore \ mile southwest of the former, near 
the Pierre du Chenal. Within the port, on the west side, a small 
white pyramid stands against the garden wall of Les Capucins. 

Audierne Road—Depths.—Audierne Road is a bad anchorage, 
and but little protected by the rocky bank of La Gamelle, upon which 
the sea breaks. It should only be temporarily used in fine weather; 
the holding ground is not good. The depths over the greater part ot 
the road vary from 11 to 29 feet, decreasing toward the shores. The 
best position for anchoring is in about 12 feet, sand, with the jetty 
lighthouse in line with St. Julien de Poulgoazec chapel bearing 84° 
about 600 yards from the jetty with Le Quevel Beacon tower in line 
with the point eastward of it, bearing 91°. At night this position is 
indicated by the intersection of the eastern limits of the red sector 
of the jetty light, and of the green sector of the low leading light. 
Another position in 18 feet, sand, is with the jetty lighthouse and 
chapel beforementioned in line, about 800 yards from the jetty, with 
Lezongar mill in line with Ste. Evette chapel bearing 314°. 

Dangers in road—Buoys—Beacons.—About f mile southward 
of and fronting the entrance to the port is La Gamelle, a rocky shoal 
wdiich dries 6 feet. Its western end is marked by a red spindle buoy 
with a conical top mark, and its southeastern end by a black spindle 
buoy with a cylindrical top mark. Barzic bank, about 400 yards 
northwestward of the western end of the Gamelle, has 11 feet water 
over it. Fornic bank, with 9 feet water, extends J mile eastward from 
the Gamelle. 

Western side.—Pouldu Bank, with 14 feet on it at lowest water, 
is the southernmost danger on the western side of the road. Its 
outer edge is 800 yards from the shore, and rocky ledges lie between. 
The bank is covered by the sector of red light from the jetty. North¬ 
ward of the bank a shallow flat and several rocky ledges extend from 
200 to 400 yards from the western shore of the road. 

Eastern side.—The eastern shore of the road is fronted by rocky 
ledges extending about 200 yards off, outside which is a shoal flat. 

Le Queval Bock, \ mile southeastward of the jetty head and 300 
yards from the shore, is marked by a red tower, 7 feet high, sur¬ 
mounted by a cone. 


PORT AUDIERNE. 


131 


Le Corbeau, a rock on the eastern side of the entrance to the port, 
about 650 yards 306° from Le Queval dries 11 feet at lowest springs, 
and is marked by a red beacon tower with a conical top mark, 11 
feet above high water. 

The sea breaks heavily on these shoals in bad weather, completely 
across the channels. 

Clearing mark. —Vieille Lighthouse, in line with Coumoudoc 
Islet, leads southward of these shoals. 

Range lights—Rear light. —On Raoulic Point, about 200 yards 
eastward of the village of Kergadec, from a white stone turret, 49 
feet in height, is exhibited, 144 feet above high water, a fixed red 
light, visible 4 miles. (See Light List.) 

Front light. —Near the'shore and 400 yards 186° from the rear 
lighthouse, from a cylindrical masonry tower painted white, 31 feet 
in height, is exhibited, 64 feet above high water, a fixed green light, 
visible 6 miles. (See Light List.) 

Jetty light. —On the end of the jetty off Raoulic Point, from a 
round white turret, 30 feet in height, is exhibited, 36 feet above high 
water, a fixed white and red light. The white light is visible 8 miles 
and the red light 4 miles. (See Light List.) 

Directions. —Three channels lead into Audierne Road, but it is 
dangerous to attempt them without a pilot. The best channel is the 
western, between Pouldu and Barzic banks, generally named the 
Grand Channel, and should be used in preference to the others. It 
is the only one practicable at night. To enter keep the light towers 
in line, bearing 6°, until the jetty lighthouse is in line with St. Julien 
de Poulgoazec steeple; then follow this direction to the anchorage. 
The depths up to* within about 200 yards of the anchorage range 
from 19 to 29 feet at low water. 

By night keep the red and green range lights in line, bearing 
6°, until the jetty light is changing from white to red, bearing 34°, 
which direction leads to the anchorage. 

The other channels east and west of the Gamelle can onlv be used 
in very fine weather. 

Port Audierne. —Audierne, about f mile from the entrance, and 
on the right bank of the Goyen River, which flows into Audierne 
Road, is a small town of about 3,000 inhabitants, with a tidal port, 
frequented by fishing boats and some coasters. It has few resources, 
but could supply a small quantity of coal. There is railway com¬ 
munication, via Douarnenez and Quimper. The port affords shelter 
in all winds, but the entrance is difficult, and even dangerous with 
strong southerly winds, as the sea then breaks on the bar near the 
end of the jetty. A pilot must always be taken, for the depths 
at the entrance frequently change after a gale. Vessels drawing 8 
feet can enter at neaps and 13 feet at spring tides. They can ground 


132 


POET AUDIERNE. 


safely alongside the quays, where the berths uncover 4 feet. At 
lowest tides the port is dry except in a few places. 

Vessels can be hauled along from the jetty as far as the bridge at 
the head of the port, above and below which white warping buoys 
are moored. Small craft of 6 feet draft can ascend the Goyen, which 
is beaconed, as far as Pont Croix, about 3.2 miles above the port en¬ 
trance. 

Life saving. —A lifeboat is stationed at Port Audierne, also life¬ 
saving appliances. 

Pilot mast.—A pilot mast, situated southward of the town at the 
inner end of the jetty at Raoulic Point, is used to direct vessels when 
the pilots are unable to leave the harbor. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
Port Audierne, at 3 h. 9 m.; springs rise 14 feet, neaps 10j feet 
above low water ordinary springs, which is about 44 feet above the 
level to which the soundings are reduced. The streams are weak in 
the vicinity of Audierne Bay, except in the Goyen River. In the 
port the ebb stream attains a velocity of 2^ knots, but the velocity 
of the flood stream never exceeds three-quarters of a knot. 


/ 


CHAPTER III. 


POINTE DE PENMARC’H TO POINTE DU CROISIC, INCLUDING THE 
GLENAN ISLES, 1LE DE GROIX, AND BELLE ILE. 

Pointe de Penmarc’h. —Penmarc’h Point is low and barren; on 
its extremity are the semaphore and two lighthouse towers, the 
framework of the old tower being painted white; a little to the east¬ 
ward are the houses of the villages of St. Pierre and Iverity, among 
which the steeple of Iverity is noticeable. At about 1.2 miles north¬ 
ward of the point is the large square tower of St. Guenole and a 
conspicuous square house. At about 1.7 miles northeastward of the 
point and 1 mile inland is Penmarc’h Church with its two steeples, 
and farther eastward is Polguen White Mill and St. Tromeur 
Chapel. 

Light. —The new lighthouse on Penmarc’h Point, named Eck- 
muld, situated 400 feet eastward of the old lighthouse, is an octago¬ 
nal granite tower 194 feet in height, and from it is exhibited, 197 
feet above high water, a flashing white electric light, visible 20 miles, 
and its glare may usually be seen a much greater distance. (See 
Light List.) 

Fog signal.— In thick or foggy weather a siren worked by com¬ 
pressed air on the upper part of the lighthouse is sounded. 

Semaphore.— A semaphore is established at Penmarc’h Point. It 
is a square yellow tower with black mast. 

Life saving.— A lifeboat is stationed at Port St. Guenole, about 
1 mile northward of the lighthouse, and also at St. Pierre, about 
mile eastward. A line-throwing gun is kept at the lighthouse. 

Soundings. —Between the parallels of 47° 40' and 47° 50' N. 70 
miles from Penmarc’h Point are depths of 80 fathoms, sand and 
broken shells; and 30 miles off from 50 to 66 fathoms, sand and mud. 

Dangers.—The Roches de Penmarc’h surround Penmarc’h 
Point and extend several miles along the coast to the eastward. 
These rocks, many of which are above water, lie 1.2 to 2.5 miles off 
the coast; there are passages between them available for small vessels, 
but they are dangerous and can not be used by strangers. The white 
sectors of Menhir and He aux Mouton Lights, when visible, lead clear 
of the rocks off and eastward of Penmarc’h Point. 


133 



134 POINTE DE PENMARC’h—POINTE DU CROISIC. 

There are depths of 20 to 30 fathoms, sand, gravel, and shells, 
close to the outer edge of these rocks. The most important of them 
are as follows: 

lie Concq, the summit of which is whitewashed, lies 1 mile north¬ 
eastward of Penmarc’h Point and 800 yards from the shore. La 
Yoleuse (Laeres) Rock lies 400 yards west-northwest of it. 

Basse Neuve or Neves, a patch of 6J fathoms, with 19 to 21 fathoms 
around, lies 1.3 miles 288° from Penmarc’h Point and 500 yards out¬ 
side the edge of the rocks. 

Menhir Rocks, the westernmost of these dangers. The largest 
rock, which is about 6 feet high, has a black turret on it. 

Light.—From the turret, 66 feet high, on the largest Menhir 
Rock, is exhibited at an elevation of 54 feet above high water a small 
occulting white and red light. The white light is visible 6 miles and 
the red light 4 miles. The light is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

lie Nona, 0.6 mile southwestward of Penmarc’h Point, is a large 
rock always uncovered. Its southern and highest part is white. 

Men Guen—Beacon.—Men Guen Rock, about 600 vards south- 

7 

eastward of Nona, dries about 8 feet and is marked by a black iron 
beacon with a cylindrical top mark 9 feet above high water. 

La Jument—Beacon.—La Jument Rock (Ar Gazek), 1.2 miles 
south-southeastward of Penmarc’h Point, dries 6 feet at lowest water. 
A masonry beacon, painted black, with a cylindrical top mark, show¬ 
ing 25 feet above high water, is erected on the rock. (Destroyed in 
1914.) 

Les Etocs—Beacon.—Les Etocs are a group of black and broken 
rocks; the greater portion of them is always uncovered. Raguen 
Rock, on the eastern part of the group, dries 10 feet, and is marked 
bv a black iron beacon with a cylindrical top mark, 8 feet above high 
water. These rocks shelter the anchorage of Poul Bras from the 
southward. 

Locarec Rock, over a mile northward of the Etocs, is large, round, 
always uncovered, and is a good mark, particularly for Poul Bras 
anchorage. 

Men Haro and Men Daniel, near and northeastward of the 
Etocs, are rocks always uncovered, and their tops are whitewashed. 

Basse des Chiens de Mer or Spinec—Buoy.—Basse des Chiens 
de Mer lies at the southern extremity of the Penmarc’h Rocks. There 
are If fathoms water over it at lowest springs, and a black spindle 
buoy with a cylindrical top mark is moored southward of it. 

Basse de la Souris, also at the southern extremity of the Pen¬ 
marc’h Rocks and about 0.6 mile eastward of the Spinec, has If 
fathoms over it at lowest springs. 

Les Putains—Beacon.—Les Putains, or Ar Guisty, a large rocky 
plateau, is situated 2 miles southward of the entrance of Guilfinec, 


ROCKS OF PENMARC'H. 


135 


The highest head dries 10 feet, and on it is a black beacon in the 
shape of a truncated cone, with a cylindrical top mark 20 feet above 
high water. 

Men Corn, a shoal, with If fathoms on it, lies 800 yards 186° from 
the beacon on les Putains. 

!Les Fourch.es, a rocky plateau, the highest head of which is 3 
feet above high water, lies westward of les Putains. 

A patch, with 1J fathoms water on it, lies about 800 yards 73° 
from the Putains Beacon. 

Basse Du—Beacon. —Basse Du, about 1.2 miles 30° from the 
Putains Beacon, is marked by a beacon, painted red and black in 
horizontal bands, with a red spherical top mark, which is 6 feet above 
high water. 

Reissant, an isolated rock, 3 feet above water, lies 1.5 miles south- 
southwestward of the entrance to l’Esconil. 

Clearing marks.— He Nona, open westward of Les Etocs, bearing 
309°, leads westward of cles Chiens de Mer or Basse Spinec. 

The old lighthouse on Penmarc’h Point in line with the white- 
topped rock Men Daniel, bearing 302°, leads southwestward, and 
Enizan Bock in a line with Beissant, bearing 47°, leads close south¬ 
ward of Men Corn. 

Directions.— A vessel rounding the Boches de Penmarc'h, from a 
position J mile west of Menhir, should steer 148° until l’lle Nona is 
in line with the point westward of St. Guenole, when a 115° course 
will lead southward of the Basse des Chiens de Mer or Spinec. 

Tides and tidal streams.— It is high water, full and change, at 
the Penmarc’h Bocks at 3h. 09m.; springs rise 19f feet, neaps rise 16 
feet above level of soundings or lowest water, which is 5f feet below 
the level of low-water ordinary springs; ordinary springs range 14J 
feet, neaps, 7J feet. In the vicinity of Penmarc’h and about 1 mile 
off the Etocs, in calms or light westerly winds, at low water the 
stream sets westward 1 knot; at half flood north-northwestward ^ 
knot; at high water slightly to the east-southeastward; and at half 
ebb, west-southwestward 1 knot. The velocity of the streams is much 
influenced by the winds; with fresh winds from seaward the flood 
stream sometimes sets east-northeastward to east-southeastward, 2 
knots; with offshore w T inds the ebb stream attains a velocity of 2J to 
3 knots, and with fresh easterly or southeasterly winds the stream sets 
northwestward all the tide. With much swell the ebb causes a very 
heavy sea. 

At 4 or 5 miles seaward of Penmarc’h Point, with westerly winds, 
the ebb stream causes a chopping sea, which is a sure indication of 
the vicinity of the land. 

Poul Bras.— Northward of Les Etocs is an area clear of rocks, 
about 550 yards in extent, with depths from 1£ to 2^ fathoms at low 

21235°—17-10 


t 



136 


POINTE DE PENMAKCpH-POINTE DU CEOISIC. 


water, named Poul Bras, where small craft may find shelter from 
winds between east-northeast and west-northwest through north, and 
also from southerly winds at low water. There are several channels 
leading through the reefs to this anchorage, available only for those 
with local knowledge. One channel from the southward is entered 
by keeping Penmarc’h church in line with the western side of Men 
Daniel, bearing 349°, which leads westward of Basse des Chiens de 
Mer. 

Kerity .—In front of Kerity village, f mile eastward of Eckmuhl 
Lighthouse, a small mole has been constructed behind which fishing 
vessels ground on a bottom of mud and sand, drying about 10 feet 
at lowest tides. The port can only be reached at high water, in fine 
weather, and requires local knowledge. On Men Talec Pock, 550 
yards southward of Kerity, is a black iron beacon with a cylindrical 
top mark, 6 feet above high water. There is a shipyard at which 
small wooden vessels are constructed. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat and line-throwing apparatus are sta¬ 
tioned at Kerity. 

Port du Guilfinec, situated nearly 4 miles eastward of Penmarc’h 
Point, dries at lowest water, but is available for vessels of 8 feet 
draft. Its approach is difficult and should not be attempted without 
local knowledge. It is a resort for fishing and small coasting vessels. 
A mole about 200 yards in length has been constructed on the western 
side of the port, to shelter vessels within it. 

Range lights.—Two lights are exhibited at Guilfinec. The rear 
or eastern light, fixed red, is shown at an elevation of 64 feet above 
high water, from a white rectangular tower 58 feet high, and is 
visible 9 miles. (See Light List.) 

The front light, fixed white and read, elevated 29 feet above high 
water, is shown from a round white tower, 34 feet in height, 664 
yards 233° from the rear light. The white light is visible 7 miles 
and the red light 5 miles. (See Light List.) 

Men Meur Rock, 31 feet above the ground, is situated on the 
shore 4 mile westward of Guilfintc Entrance. It has been white¬ 
washed as a mark, as has also the rock, always uncovered, which lie§ 
in the entrance to the port, 350 yards 233° from the front ran^e 
light. Several of the rocks in the vicinity of the port are beaconed. 

Du Mill, black, nearly on the alignment of the two lighthouses, 
stands about 800 yards back from the rear one. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat and line-throwing apparatus are sta¬ 
tioned at Guilfinec. 

Supplies and communications.—Ample supplies of provisions 
and water will be found at Guilfinec, also all supplies needed by 
fishermen, and a small amount of coal; wooden vessels are constructed 



EOCKS OF PENMARC’h. 137 

here. There is a physician and a druggist, also a post and telegraph 
office and a railway station. 

Directions.—The lights or lighthouses in line lead toward the 
port, but pass directly over the Basse des Herbes, a small shoal with 
a depth of 1J feet over it at lowest water, to avoid which steer a little 
to port when Eckmuhl Lighthouse comes in line with Locarec Rock, 
afterwards returning to the leading mark. On nearer approach to 
the harbor, leave the rocks marked by black beacons to port and the 
red beacons to starboard. At night the tide should be sufficiently 
high to enable the vessel to cross the Basse des Herbes. 

Port de TEsconil is situated about 2.7 miles eastward of Guil- 
linec, and is dry at low water. The small bay before the port affords 
shelter to small craft from west, through north to east winds. It is 
open to the south, and even west-southwesterly winds cause a heavy 
sea. The port is only frequented by fishing boats. 

Light.—F rom a lantern on a white cylindrical masonry pedestal, 
14 feet high, on Men ar Groas Rock in the entrance to the port, is 
exhibited at 23 feet above high water a fixed green light that should 
be seen 3 miles. The light is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

Dangers.—Enizan Rock, 18 feet high, lies about 800 yards from 
the shore at the southern extremity of a rocky ledge which shelters 
the bay on the eastern side. It is easily recognized by its great size 
and saddle-shaped summit. Shoal water extends south-southeast¬ 
ward from the western side of the bay with a rock at the extremity 
which dries 1 foot at low water. Men ar Groas Rock is whitewashed. 

Karek Greis—Buoy.—A small shoal, named Karek Greis, with 
2f fathoms over it at lowest springs, about 1.4 miles east-southeast¬ 
ward of Reissant, is marked on its southeastern side by a black 
spindle buoy with a cylindrical top mark. Basse Devel, 900 yards 
northward of Karek Greis, has 1 foot of water on it at lowest tide. 
About 600 yards eastward of Basse Devel and ^ mile northward of 
Karek Greis is a patch of 1J fathoms, with 1 or 2 fathoms a little 
westward of it. 

Clearing mark.—Penmarc’h Lighthouse (Eckmuhl) in line with 
Reissant, bearing 284°, leads southward of Karek Greis. 

Karek Pell, a rock with 2£ fathoms over it at low water, lies about 
1 mile 87° from Karek Greis. 

Directions.—L’Esconil mill in line with Men ar Groas Rock 
Light, bearing 328°, leads up to the anchorage off the port, but passes 
very close to the 2-fathom patch above referred to. 

Anchorage.—In fine weather a small vessel may anchor in 2J 
fathoms off l’Esconil, with the above-mentioned range marks in line. 

Semaphore.—A semaphore is established on a hill over a point 
westward of the port. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed in the port. 


138 


POINTE DE PENMARC II—POINTE DU CROISIC. 


Pilots.—The pilots of the stations of Penmarc’h, Guilfinec, and 
PEsconil keep in the vicinity of Penmarc’h and Guilfinec, but their 
boats, not being decked, do not permit them to keep the sea in bad 
weather. They have the right to pilot vessels boarded in their limits, 
as far as the entrance of the ports of Audierne He Tudy, Benodet, 
and Concarneau. 

In case of necessity the lifeboat at Kerity or l’Esconil will take off 
a pilot or one acquainted with the coast. 

Anse de Benodet, at about 10 miles eastward of Penmarc’h Point, 
is about 7 miles wide between the point northward of Enizan Rock 
and Pointe de Mousterlin, and recedes northward for 2.5 miles. It 
has a maximum depth of 8 fathoms in its outer part, southward of 
Benodet, but is so studded with shoals that, unless possessing local 
knowledge, it is desirable to obtain the services of a pilot to enter it 
from the southwest. 

Two rivers, the Pont-Labbe and the Odet or Quimper, discharge 
into the bay, forming small, well-sheltered harbors. 

Landmarks.—The shores of this bay are generally low, but a 
little inland it becomes higher, and the wooded hills afford many 
noticeable points, which, with the lighthouses, are good landmarks. 
The most remarkable are: 

The steeple of Plouneour, a tall, slender spire 7 miles northward 
of l’Esconil; the steeple of Ploubannanec, a tall and pointed spire 
1.5 miles northward of l’Esconil; the slender spire of Loctudy Church 
on the southern side of the entrance of the Rivere de Pont-Labbe; 
Chateau de Langoz, with bell turrets, about 400 yards northwestward 
of Loctudy Lighthouse; Chateau de Najac, a large white house, with 
two wings higher than the central part and surrounded with large 
trees, at the south end of lie Chevalier; Combrit Church, the spire 
of which is seen in a thick w^ood; the prefect’s house, Villa Menez 
Frost, situated about 200 yards north-northeastward of Benodet 
High Lighthouse; and Chateau de Kergos, northward of Benodet 
Lighthouse, on top of a hill and obscured in summer by a thick wood. 
The old semaphore of Combrit stands about 400 yards northward of 
Pointe de Combrit. 

Numerous shoals extend from the coast between l’Esconil and Loc¬ 
tudy to the Glenan Isles, through which several channels lead to 
Loctudy and Benodet. 

The western or inshore channel has a least depth of 1J fathoms 
at low water near the bar off Loctudy. The leading mark through 
is the steeple of Combrit Church open eastward of Men Audierne 
Beacon and in line with the high land of Locronan, about 12.5 miles to 
the northward, bearing 355°. 

Dangers, extending from the western shore of the Anse de Beno¬ 
det and forming the western side of the inshore channel, are: 



ANSE DE BENODET. 


139 


Basse St. Oual, awash at lowest springs, situated about 1.3 miles 
eastward of Enizan Rock and nearly a mile offshore. 

Basse Boulanger, a pinnacle rock, with a depth of 1^ fathoms 
over it at lowest water, lies ^ mile eastward, from Basse St. Oual and 
1.2 miles offshore. 

Men Du and Karek Hir—Beacon—Tower. —These are two 
groups of rocks northeastward of Basse St. Oual. A black cylin¬ 
drical concrete tower, with cylindrical top mark, 19 feet above high 
water, stands on Men Du; Karek Hir is marked by a black beacon 
tower with a cylindrical top mark, 8 feet above high water, and lies 
about 0.6 mile 27° from Men Du, and nearly the same distance off¬ 
shore. 

Glinec Rock, awash at low water, lies 1,100 yards 26° from Karek 
Hir Beacon and 0.6 mile offshore. 

Basse Men Du, with 21 fathoms over it, § mile 100° from Men Du 
Beacon. 

Men Bret—Tower. —Men Bret is a large rock, 2 feet high, situ¬ 
ated about 1,300 yards 148° from Loctudy Lighthouse. It has a black 
beacon tower with a cylindrical top mark on it 8 feet above high 
Avater. 

For dangers on the eastern side of the inshore channel, see western 
side of old channel below. 

Old channel of Benodet, with a least depth of 2J fathoms at low 
water, lies eastward of the western or inshore channel. The leading 
mark through is Benodet High Lighthouse, open westward of the 
old semaphore near Pointe de Combrit, bearing 12°. 

Dangers—Western side. —Basse Boulanger and Basse Men Du; 
see western channel above. 

Eayebleau Bock, with 11 fathoms at lowest springs, lies 0.7 mile 
105° from Karek Hir Beacon. 

Basse Bilien, about 1,100 yards 119° from Men Bret Beacon, is 
aAvash at lowest water. Between this shoal and Glinec Rock, \ 
mile to the west-southwestward, the depth is about 1£ fathoms. 

In the northwest part of the bay, about 1.7 miles 17° from Basse 
Bilien and 1.2 miles from Combrit Point, is Le Baril, a patch with 1 
foot on it at lowest water. 

Dangers—Eastern side. —Roche le Berre, with 5 fathoms over it, 

lies 0.9 mile 96° from Karek Pell. 

Roc’h Helou—Buoy.—Roc’h Helou lies about 1.5 miles 118° 
from Men Du. The highest part of this shoal, on its southwestern 
part, is 1 foot above lowest springs, and the shoal is marked by a 
red spindle buoy Avith a conical top mark moored 400 yards off its 
Avestern side. With a swell this shoal breaks heavily. 

Boche de Juin, with 1^ fathoms over it, lies 1 mile northward of 
Helou Rock and about 400 yards eastward of Fayebleau Bock. Basse 


140 


POINTE DE PENMARCpH-POINTE DU CROISIC. 


St. Medard, with 1 fathom water, lies about 400 yards northeastward 
of Roche de Juin, and 1 mile farther north-northeastward is a patch 
of 1-J fathoms. 

New channel of Benodet, with a least depth of 3| fathoms at low 
water, near Combrit Point, is the usual approach to Benodet from 
the southwest. It lies eastward of the old channel. The leading 
mark through is Benodet High Lighthouse, in line with Combrit 
Point Lighthouse, bearing 1°. 

Dangers—Western side—Rostolou—Buoy. —Rostolou, a large 
shoal with about 2 feet at lowest water at the east end over its shoal- 
est part, is situated about 600 yards south-southwestward of Rocdi 
Helou. It is marked by a black spindle buoy, with a cylindrical top 
mark otf its southeastern extremity. This shoal breaks heavily with 
a swell. About 0.9 mile northeastward from it is the Roche 
Leonegue Bras, with 3f fathoms water. 

Clearing mark. —L’Esconil semaphore, open southward of 
Epizan Rock 288°, leads southward of Rostolou. 

Roc’h Helou and Basse St. Medard are mentioned above with old 
channel. 

Basse du Chenal—Buoy. —This rock lies nearly 2 miles 127° 
from Loctudy Light and about the same distance northward of 
Rostolou. Its shoalest part dries 1 foot at lowest springs, and a 
black spindle buoy with a cjdindrical top mark is moored southeast¬ 
ward of it. About 0.9 mile north-northwestward of the Basse du 
Chenal is the lj-fathom patch mentioned with old channel. 

Dangers—Eastern side.—Basse Montfort, with 3J fathoms of 
water over it at lowest springs, lies 1.1 miles 141° from the south¬ 
eastern end of Rostolou. 

Basse Hardy, a small patch of 2| fathoms, lies in the fairway 
just eastward of the line of leading lights and J mile eastward of 
Rostolou; I mile eastward of Basse Hardy is Basse Pipy, with 4f 
fathoms over it. 

Basse Rouses ar Veil, with 1J fathoms at low water, is § mile 
15° from Basse Hardy and about 400 yards from the leading line. 

Basse Kogues, with 1J fathoms over it, lies 0.6 mile eastward of 
Rouses ar Veil and nearly 0.9 mile 220° from Men Diou Beacon 
tower. 

Basse Tudy is a large group of rocks, the central head of which 
is awash at low water. The southwestern head has 1 fathom on it 
and the northeastern head dries 1 foot. The southwestern head lies 
about 1,100 yards 53° from Basse Rouses ar Veil. 

Roche Malvic—Buoy.— This rock, situated nearly a mile 1° from 
Basse Rouses ar Veil and \ mile southeast of the Basse du Chenal, 
has a depth of 2 feet over it, and is marked by a red spindle buoy 
with a conical top mark on its north side. 


ANSE DE BENODET. 


141 


About 1.2 miles 6° from Roche Malvic is a patch with 2j fathoms 
over it, with another of 3 fathoms J mile 323° from it. 

Eastern Channel to Benodet lies eastward of new channel and 
between the rocks extending from Loctudy to lie aux Moutons and 
those southwestward of Pointe de Mousterlin. It is 1.4 miles wide, 
with general depths of from 5 to 9 fathoms, with less water in a few 
places, but the least depth is 3f fathoms. . 

Dangers—Western side—lie aux Moutons. —The He aux 
Moutons forms the central and much the highest part of a plateau, 
which extends for a distance of about 3 miles in a general east- 
northeast and west-southwest direction. Near the middle of the isle 
is a large menhir, and at its southeastern point the lighthouse, with 
the keeper’s houses. The southern coast is steep, but the rocks of 
Pen an Guern, some of which are 10 feet high, extend about 600 yards 
from the eastern side of the isle. 

Light.— From the lighthouse, a white square tower, 49 feet in 
height, with dwelling, is exhibited, 60 feet above high water, an 
occulting light, with white, red, and green sectors. The light shows 
fixed with increased power over a small sector. The white, red, and 
green lights are visible 15, 12, and 12 miles, respectively. (See 
Light List.) 

Clearing marks. —The tower of Les Pourceaux in line with the 
house on He St. Nicolas (Glenan Group) leads eastward of the rocks 
of Pen an Guern. The spire of Ploubannanec in line with Men 
Diou beacon tower, bearing 282°, leads northward of the rocks off 
lie aux Moutons and also of Les Poulains. 

Roche Trevarec, a large rocky reef uncovering at low water, lies 
i mile west-southwestward of the lie aux Moutons. Two of the 
heads are 20 and 5 feet high, respectively. 

Basse Rouge—Tower. —Basse Rouge, the southwestern extrefnity 
of the shoals adjacent to the lie aux Moutons, is a rocky reef with 
heads drying 4 and 5 feet at lowest water, and is marked by a beacon 
tower, 34 feet above high water, painted black and white in hori¬ 
zontal bands, surmounted by a diamond top mark. (Carried away, 
1917.) 

A spar buoy painted black and white in horizontal bands has been 
established*440 yards 226° from the former position of the beacon. 
The buoy has a diamond-shaped top mark. 

Clearing mark.— Plouneour Church in line with Loctudy Church. 
331°, leads westward of Basse Rouge. 

Basse du Joubert, a small rocky patch, with 2 fathoms over it 
at low water, is situated about 1.2 miles west-northwestward of the 
lie aux Moutons. Patches with from 2-| to 3 fathoms extend about 
600 yards eastward and west-southwestward. 


142 POINTE DE PEN MARC —POINTE DU CROISIC. 

Treusvas—Tower.— Treusvas, a rocky bank which dries 5 feet at 
Jowest water, lies about 1.2 miles northwestward of He aux Moutons, 
ii nd is marked by a black metal beacon tower with a cylindrical top 
mark 14 feet above high water. About 600 yards northeastward of 
Treusvas there is a patch of 2J fathoms, and 400 yards southeast¬ 
ward a head with 1^ fathoms on it. 

Clearing mark. —Castel Bras, Glenan Isles, in line with the 
highest Roche Trevarec, bearing 174°, leads eastward of Treusvas 
und neighboring shoals. 

Les Poulains—Beacon.— Les Poulains, which uncover 10 feet at 
lowest water, lie about 0.3 mile northward of Treusvas. There is a 
black iron beacon on them with a cylindrical top mark, which is 7 
feet above high water. 

Basse de PAstrolabe, with 5 feet water, is about J mile westward 
of Les Poulains. Within a distance of about £ mile southeastward 
end southward of the basse are numerous .heads, with from 1 to 2f 
fathoms over them. 

Men Diou—Tower. —Men Diou, nearly a mile 297° from Les 
Poulains, is marked by a red and black beacon tower with a spherical 
top mark, 12 feet above high water. The shoal dries 6 feet in one 
spot. 

Basse Cluyou, a patch with 1 fathom over it, lies about 800 yards 
315° from Men Diou. 

Clearing mark. —The steeple of Plouneour, open northward of 
Chateau de Najac, leads northeastward of Men Diou and Basse 
Cluyou. 

See also dangers on eastern side of new channel. 

Shoals in fairway. —About 1.5 miles north-northeastward of lie 
aux Moutons are two patches of 4| fathoms, madrepore (coral) 
bottom. 

Treuzen, about 0.6 mile northeastward of Men Diou, has 4J 
fathoms on it. It lies at the southwest end of a narrow bank 800 
yards in length, with general depths of from 4 to 5 fathoms. At 
the north end of the bank is a depth of 3J fathoms. About £ mile 
eastward of Treuzen are some patches of 4J and 5 fathoms. 

Dangers — Eastern side — Les Roches de Mousterlin — 
Buoy. —These rocks comprise a shallow rocky bank on which are 
numerous heads that uncover. It is about 1.3 miles in width and 
extends about 1.8 miles off the point of the same name, at which 
distance, southward, is a depth of 1 fathom. Other patches of 2J 
and 2-| fathoms lie near the southern edge of the bank. La Yoleuse, 
a rocky reef in the western part of the group, dries 2 feet and is 
marked on its southern side by a red spindle buoy with a conical top 
mark, and the summit of Le Corbeau, a rock 3 feet high, about \ 
mile south-southeastward of the point, is whitewashed. It stands 


ANSE DE BENODET. 


148 


near the southeastern extremity of the Plateau de Mousterlin, a rocky 
ledge that dries at low water. 

Clearing marks. —Le Taro Beacon Tower in line with Coq Light¬ 
house, bearing 325°, leads westward of the Roches de Mousterlin, and 
the Chateau Moc, on lie Garo, its width within the southern end of 
the houses on He Tudy, bearing 28T°, leads southwestward. 

Basse Anavalen, about 1,700 yards northwest of La Voleuse, 
dries 3 feet on its south side and 2 feet at the southwest end. 

Le Taro—Tower. —Le Taro, a rock which dries 8 feet at lowest 
water, in the northeastern part of the bay, is marked by a red beacon 
tower with a conical top mark, 13 feet above high water. It lies 
about 0.7 mile 312° from Basse Anavalen. 

Tidal streams. —In the Anse de Benodet the streams are rotary 
in the direction of the hands of a watch. The first of the flood sets 
north, at half tide northeast, then east, and ending at southeast at 
high water. The first of the ebb sets southward, turning afterwards 
to southwest and finishing about west-northwest. The streams at¬ 
tain a maximum velocity of 1J knots, but are influenced by the winds. 
Near Enizan Rock the ebb stream attains a velocity of 3 knots with 
northerly winds, and the flood stream setting to windward causes a 
rough sea. 

Lights—Loctudy. —On the outer point of the southern side of 
the entrance, from a white circular turret, 31 feet in height, sur¬ 
rounded by a wall, also white, is exhibited an occulting white and 
red light. The white light is visible 10 miles and the red light 6 
miles. (See Light List.) 

Combrit Point Lighthouse. —On the western side of the en¬ 
trance to the Odet or Riviere de Quimper, from a square white tower 
50 feet in height, with building, is exhibited, 54 feet above high 
water, an occulting white light, visible 11 miles. (See Light List.) 

Benodet Range Lights—Front. —On the left bank of the river 
at the Pointe du Coq, from a white circular tower 36 feet in height, 
is exhibited, 33 feet above high water, a fixed red light, visible 8 
miles. (See Light List.) 

. Rear.—At Benodet, 368 yards 346 q from the lighthouse on Pointe 
du Coq, from a gray, circular granite tower, 112 feet in height, is 
exhibited, 151 feet above high water, a fixed white light, visible 11 
miles. The power of these lights decreases on both sides of the range 
line. (See Light List.) * , 

Anchorage. —Anse de Benodet, off the entrance of the Odet, af¬ 
fords good anchorage for large vessels in 5 fathoms water, mud, and 
sand, good holding ground, sheltered completely from winds between 
southwest and east, through north; but with strong winds from 
southeast to southwest through south the sea becomes heavy at high 
water, and it may be necessary to take refuge in the Quimper River. 


*144 POINTS DE PEN MARC —POINTE DU CROISIC. 

The limits of the anchorage in depths of over 5 fathom^ are: To the 
westward, Benodet Lighthouse, in line with that of Coq ; to the north¬ 
ward Loctudy Church, in line with Karek Saoz Tower; to the east¬ 
ward, St. Thomas Church, Benodet, in line with Coq Lighthouse; and 
to the southward, Enizan Bock, in line with Men Du. A good posi¬ 
tion is 8 fathoms, with Benodet and Pointe du Coq Lighthouses, in 
line bearing 346°, and Enizan Bock open north of Men Du, bearing 
250° nearly 3 miles southward of Combrit Point. Or, nearer the 
shore, in the same depth, with Benodet Lighthouse just open east of 
Pointe du Coq Lighthouse bearing 344°, and Loctudy Church open 
southward of Loctudy Lighthouse bearing 275°. 

Directions—Benodet and Concarneau approaches—Fairway 
reserved for traffic when submarine vessels are exercising 1 .—- 
When the flag with a yellow and a red horizontal stripe is hoisted 
at the signal stations or on the vessel escorting submarine vessels, to 
indicate that the latter are exercising submerged, all vessels wishing 
to enter or leave any of the ports between Penmarc’h and Con¬ 
carneau are earnestly requested to make use of the fairway, defined 
below, in which submarine vessels are prohibited from exercising 
submerged. 

This fairway is limited as follows: 

On the north, east, and west by the road between Menhir Light 
Beacon and Pointe de Trevignon. 

On the south by a line joining successively the following points: 
Menhir Light Beacon, Basse des Chines de Ber (Basse Spinec) 
Buoy, Basse Bouge Beacon, Grands Porceaux Beacon, and Pointe 
de Trevignon. 

Directions—By day from southwestward.— The usual ap¬ 
proach to Benodet Bay from the southward and westward is 
through the new channel, which leads eastward of Bostolou, marked 
by a black buoy; Benodet Bear Lighthouse, in line with Combrit 
Lighthouse bearing 1°, leads westward of Basse Montfort and 
through the channel, but passes close westward of Basse Hardy, 
which has 2J fathoms on it at low water. 

Approaching the entrance of the channel from seaward, open 
Benodet High Lighthouse a little westward of Combrit Point Light¬ 
house to clear Basse Hardy, and when past Bostolou Buoy bring the 
lighthouses in line bearing 1°. If bound to Loctudy, when the 
church and lighthouse of that place are in line bearing 272°, steer 
in that direction, which leads toward the outer anchorage and bar. 

If intending to anchor in the bay southward of Combrit Point, 
when the vessel is between Basse du Chenal, marked by a black buoy' 
and Basse Malvic, marked by a red buoy, bring Enizan Bock open 
northward of Men Du, bearing 250°, and when Benodet High Light- 


ANSE DE BENODET. 


145 


house and Coq Lighthouse are in line anchor, or proceed nearer to 
the mouth of the river. 

/ 

\ essels from the westward and southward in charge of those 
locally acquainted may, according to draft and the state of the tide, 
make use of the western and old channels previously described, and 
also those between Men Diou and Basse de F Astrolabe and between 
Basse de Joubert and He aux Moutons. In the two latter the depths 
are above 5 fathoms. The leading mark for the latter channel is the 
white mill eastward of Concarneau, in line with the tower of Le 
Cochon, Baie de la' Forest. 

From the eastward. —From a position 1.2 miles northeast of 
the lighthouse on lie aux Moutons steer 288° to pass between Men 
Diou Beacon Tower and Treuzen Shoal, and when the beacon tower 
bears 209° steer 310° until Benodet Lighthouse is just open eastward 
of or in line with Coq Point Lighthouse, when haul up for the 
anchorage. 

Vessels of moderate draft may steer direct for the anchorage from 
off He aux Moutons, the least water in the channel being 3f fathoms. 

At night, approach in the northern part of the white sector of 
lie aux Moutons light, with the light bearing about 80°, until Beno¬ 
det high light is a very little open westward of Combrit light, bear¬ 
ing 2°. Keep this mark on, which leads between Ilostolou and Basse 
Hardy. Loctudy light is then red. When Loctudy light becomes 
white, bearing 328°, bring Benodet and Combrit lights in line, bear¬ 
ing 1°, and proceed with this mark on, passing through the first 
white and the second red sectors of Loctudy light. When Loctudy 
light changes to white, bearing 295°, alter course to 63° and anchor 
in 7 or 8 fathoms, when Benodet light opens eastward of Coq light. 
The least water in this route is 25 feet. A 2f-fathom patch 2.1 miles 
170° from Combrit Point must be avoided. 

In order to reach the anchorage off Loctudy from new channel, 
when Loctudy light changes to white, bearing 295°, steer 310°, and 
when the same light bears 271° anchor in from 3J to 4 fathoms. 
This course leads in 24 fathoms least water, passing 200 yards south¬ 
west of a l^-fathom patch. 

From the eastward, at night, approach lie aux Moutons in the 
fixed white sector of that light, bearing about 282° until Beuzec 
fixed white light above Concarneau is seen bearing 26°; steer then 
325° until Beuzec light is obscured, bearing 41°, when the course 
should be altered to 275°; when Loctudy fixed light changes from 
white to red, bearing 295°, steer for it, keeping on the junction of 
the sectors until the occulting light on lie aux Moutons changes from 
white to red, bearing 141°; steer now 321° with the light astern, 
keeping on the junction of the sectors and avoiding the Treuzen 


/ 


146 POINTE DE PENMARC'h—POINTE DU CROISIC. 

Shoal, which is a little eastward of this line. On this course the 
anchorage ground will be entered when Loctudy white light bears 
285°, when a position may be taken as convenient. 

Pont l’Abbe River. —The little port of Loctudy, situated at the 
mouth of the river, on the west side of the Anse de Benedot, affords 
good anchorage to vessels drawing from 9 to 13 feet water. It is 
frequented by numerous coasters, which load with potatoes and 
grain. Water and provisions can only be obtained at the village in 
very small quantities; but in case of necessity supplies may be pro¬ 
cured by river from Pont l’Abbe, nearly 3 miles up the river, where 
there is communication by railway, post, and telegraph. 

There is a quay at Loctudy, 448 feet in length, where vessels can 
ground on a level bottom of hard sand which dries at low water, and 
has 13 feet over it at high water springs. 

Dangers in entrance—Beacons. —Roche Karek Saoz, southern 
side of the entrance to Loctudy, has a black beacon tower with a 
cylindrical top mark 8 feet above high water on it. 

Men Audierne, a small rock on the northern side of the entrance 
to Loctudy, 1,100 yards 38° from the lighthouse, dries 4 feet at 
lowest springs, and is marked by a red beacon with a conical top 
mark. 

Roche Margodie, which dries 3 feet, lies nearly 1 mile 39° from 
Loctudy Lighthouse. 

Basse de la Passe, a rocky shoal with 4 feet of water on it, lies . 
within the bar just northward of the leading line into the Riviere 
de Pont l’Abbe. Its position is indicated by two pairs of black 
wooden beacons on the south shore. 

Roche des Perdrix on the southern edge of the shoal extending 
from He Tudy, is marked by a red beacon tower with a conical top 
mark 8 feet above high water. 

Banc Bias, 200 yards southward of lie Tudy, dries 10 feet and is 
marked by a red beacon with conical top mark. 

Roche des Perdrix Light is exhibited at a height of 36 feet from 
a red masonry tower. 

Pilots, stationed at lie Tudy, serve exclusively the port of Loctudy 
and Pont l’Abbe River. They take outgoing vessels to the entrance - 
of Concarneau, to the lies de Glenan, or at least 2 miles clear of 
those isles. 

Bar—Depth. —The entrance of the port is barred by a sand bank 
nearly 300 yards across on the leading mark, on which there is only 
a depth of 3 feet at lowest springs. This bar seldom breaks, the 
swell being stopped by the shoals. When the foot of the beacon on 
Men Audierne is covered the depth on the bar is more than 6J feet. 

Anchorages—Outer. —There is anchorage in about 4 fathoms, 
sand and flat rocks, 800 yards outside the bar, with Enizan Rock in 


LOCTUDY. 147 

line with Men Bret Beacon tower bearing 225° and Chateau de Najac, 
in line with Men Audierne Beacon, bearing 308°. 

Inner. —A white mooring buoy lies off the quay at Loctudy. 
There is good anchorage in about 2 fathoms northwest of this buoy, 
with Chateau Laubriere bearing 275° and the old semaphore of Com- 
brit open southward of the southern extremity of He Tudy. Vessels 
should moor, as there is not much room to swing. 

Directions. —The bar is crossed by keeping Perdrix Tower mid¬ 
way between Chateau Durumain (surrounded by a wall and front 
covered with ivy) and Chateau Moc, bearing 293°, and when about 
400 yards from the Perdrix Tower steer 275° toward Chateau Lau¬ 
briere (a house with a white front), which leads to the anchorage. 

River. —Between Loctudy and Pont l’Abbe, a distance of 3 miles, 
the river dries in places at low water and is beaconed. 

Tide and tidal streams.— It is high water, full and change, at 
Loctudy at 3h. 26m.; springs rise 16 feet and neaps 12J feet above 
the level of soundings; ordinary springs range 14 feet, neaps 7 feet. 
At the port the tidal stream attains a velocity of 3 knots an hour. In 
the river the velocity of the stream does not exceed 2 knots. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat and line-throwing apparatus is estab¬ 
lished on Tudy Isle. 

Oudet or Riviere de Quimper—Depths. —At the head of the 
Anse de Benodet and 2.7 miles westward of Pont l’Abbe River is the 
mouth of the Odet or Quimper River, which is nearly J mile wide at 
the entrance, but the width contracts to about 200 yards at Pointe du 
Coq, J mile within. For about 6 miles from the sea the river is 
narrow, bordered by high and wooded granite hills; thence to Quim¬ 
per, about 3 miles, it is generally wide and filled with mud flats. For 
a distance of 2.5 miles from the entrance there are depths of at least 
3J fathoms; for the next 2.5 miles the least depth is 8 feet; and 
farther up the depth diminishes quickly, the channel for about 3 miles 
below Quimper being, to a great extent, dry at low water. The 
navigable channel at the entrance is narrowed considerably by ledges 
running off on either side. There is a battery on the western point, 
and one on Pointe du Coq on the east side within the entrance. 

Semaphore.— A disused semaphore stands about 400 yards north- 
northward of Combrit Point, western side of entrance. 

Dangers, west side of entrance—Beacons—Buoys. —La 
Rousse, a rock about 400 yards 134° from Pointe de Combrit, the 
western entrance point, dries 9 feet and is marked by a black beacon 
with cylindrical top mark. A small black buoy with cylindrical top 
mark is moored off its southeastern extremity. 

La Potee, a rock which dries 1 foot, lies about 333 yards 5° from 
La Rousse Beacon. Its position is indicated by two triangular black 


148 POINTE DE PENMARCpH-POINTE DU CROISIC. 

and white beacons in line, on Combrit Point, and also by a black buoy 
with cylindrical top mark moored eastward of the rock. 

East side of entrance. —Les Verres, 500 yards 219° from Pointe 
de Benodet, the eastern entrance point, is a rocky bank, which dries 
13 feet, and is marked by a red beacon with conical top mark. There 
is shoal water between it and the shore. 

Le Four, a rocky bank in the center of the river entrance, dries 
7 feet, and is marked by a red beacon with conical top mark. It lies 
600 yards 322° from Les Verres. 

Pointe du Coq.— The extremity of a rocky ledge extending west¬ 
ward from the point is marked by a small red buoy. 

River anchorages. —The anchorages in the river are of small 
extent, and the strength of the tidal stream renders it necessary, in a 
rather long ship, to arrive at high water slack and to moor. 

There is anchorage between Le Four Beacon and Le Coq Point in 
4 to 5 fathoms, with Combrit Point in line with Loctudy Lighthouse, 
bearing 226°, and Benodet High Lighthouse, nearly touching the 
western side of the battery on Pointe du Coq; and off Benodet in 5 
to 6 fathoms, with Le Four Beacon in line with Pointe de Toulgoet 
and St. Thomas Steeple and the end of the pier in line. 

In Ivergos Bay, Rosaves Bay, Combrit Bay, Kerotret Bay, and at 
Lanros, about 6 miles from the sea, there are also anchorages. North¬ 
ward of Lanros vessels must take the ground. 

Vessels of 10 feet draft can only ascend the river as far as Quimper 
at high water. 

Pilots. —The pilots stationed at Benodet take outgoing vessels to 
the entrance of Concarneau or to the lies de Glenan and at least 
2 miles seaward of those isles. There is a river pilot at Benodet and 
another at Quimper. In their absence the sea pilots of Benodet take 
vessels up to the quay at Quimper. 

Directions—By day.— To enter the river, steer in with Benodet 
and Pointe du Coq Lighthouses in line 346°, which leads across the 
Banc de Benodet, in 2J fathoms at low water. The Banc de Benodet 
extends about 0.9 mile southwestward from the point of that name 
on the east side of the entrance. The mark leads between La Rousse 
and La Potee Rocks on the port hand, and Les Verres and Le Four 
on the starboard hand. When Pointe de Toulgoet bears 315° the 
vessel will be about 400 yards from Pointe du Coq, and the course 
should be altered to pass midway between the latter and Pointe de 
Toulgoet, after passing which bring it in line with Le Four Beacon, 
astern, which leads to the anchorage off the church and landing place 
at Benodet. Or if wishing to avoid the Banc de Benodet and obtain 
about a fathom more water, steer in with Benodet and Combrit Point 
Lighthouses in line until Les Verres Beacon bears 52°, when steer 
for it on that bearing; and when Benodet and Pointe du Coq Light- 


BENODET. 


149 


houses come into line proceed as before directed. Small craft may 
pass eastward of Les Verres and Le Four Rocks by keeping the spire 
of St. Thomas Church in line with the lighthouse on Pointe du Coq, 
and after passing Le Four steer midway between Coq and Toulgoet 
Points. 

Vessels proceeding up the river to Quimper keep in mid-channel, 
giving the points a good berth, but local knowledge is necessary. 
The river is beaconed above Lanros. 

By night. —Steer in with Benodet and Pointe du Coq Lights in 
line 346°, which leads across the Banc de Benodet in 21 fathoms at 
low water, and when Loctudy fixed white light is obscured by Pointe 
de Combrit haul to the eastward and anchor between Le Four Rock 
and Coq Point. Or, if proceeding to Benodet, when near Coq Point 
Light alter course to round Toulgoet Point by the eye, and when 
past it bring it in line with the occulting white light of He aux 
Moutons, astern, which mark leads to the anchorage. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
Benodet at 3 h. 26 m.; springs rise 16 feet, neaps 12J feet, above the 
level of soundings; ordinary springs range 14 feet, neaps 7 feet. 

The velocity of the tidal stream in the river is very variable; at 
springs it runs 2^ knots at Lanros, while round a bend northward 
of Ste. Barbe Point its velocity is 3J to 4J knots. 

Benodet.— One mile within the entrance of Odet River, on the 
left bank, is the village and port of Benodet, which is frequented by 
coasters, and moderate-sized vessels obtain shelter here. A small 
quantity of water can be supplied from the village, but no coal. 
There are post and telegraph offices at the village. 

Life saving.— There is a life-saving station, with line-throwing 
apparatus at Benodet. 

Quimper, the capital of the department of Finisterre, is a city of 
14,900 inhabitants. Its cathedral was built between 1239 and 1515; 
the spires were added in 1855. The manufactures consist of artistic 
and common pottery, paper, etc. The river at the town is bordered 
by quays, that on the right bank being used for shipping. It is 
about 810 yards in length and dry at low water. The berths are 
hard, but safe to ground on if there are no large stones. 

Trade.— The trade is important, the imports being chiefly coal, 
timber, wine, and resin, and the exports grain and wine barrels. 

Repairs—Supplies.— There are workmen of all kinds at Quimper 
capable of effecting small repairs. Water, provisions, and coal 
enough for a small vessel can be obtained. 

Communication. —There are railway, post, and telegraph sta¬ 
tions. 

lies de Glenan are a group of islets and numerous rocks on a 
plateau which extends 7.5 miles in a, general northwest and southeast 


150 POINTE DE PEN MARC POINTE DU CROISIO. 

direction with a maximum width of 6.5 miles. The islets, though 
low and small, offer some tolerable good anchorages to small craft. 

The most notable of the islets are: 

Castel Bras, a large rock in the northwestern part, on which are 
two large stones. 

lie St. Nicolas, long and low, with a house on its western part, 
lies 1 mile east of Castel Bras. 

lie Drenec, about 600 yards southwestward of St. Nicolas. A 
large house and a farm are on it. 

lie Cigogne, 800 yards southeastward of St. Nicolas, almost en¬ 
tirely a fort. 

lie du Loch, on the northeast side of which there is a factory in 
ruins, with a chimney; there is a farm on the southwestern side. 

lie de Penfret, at the northeastern end of the group, is the 
highest of all these islets. It is nearly 1 mile long north and south, 
and has two hillocks, on the northern of which is a lighthouse and on 
the southern a semaphore. On the low part between the hillocks is 
the keeper’s white house. On the rising ground of the island are 
several large gardens, near which are three wells of excellent water. 
There are sandy bays on both sides of the island, and boats may 
always land to leeward. The islands have no wood. 

Light. —From a square white tower, 72 feet in height, on the 
northern hillock on Penfret Isle, is exhibited, at an elevation of 118 
feet above high water, a flashing red light, visible 17 miles. (See 
Light List.) 

Telegraph beacons. —On the west side of lie de Penfret two 
beacons, 200 yards apart, painted blue and white in horizontal stripes, 
in line bearing 166°, mark the landing place and direction of a tele¬ 
graph cable. 

Dangers. —The shoals of this group are so numerous that the 
chart must be used to see their positions. The principal are: 

Basse Perenes, with 4£ fathoms of water, the westernmost shoal, 
lies 3.7 miles west-southwestward of Loch Isle, and about 3 miles 
300° from La Jument. 

Les Bluiniers Beacon. —The Bluiniers Rocks, 2.5 miles north- 
northeastward of Basse Perenes and on the northwestern edge of the 
Glenan Group, one of which is stated to dry 16 feet at low water, are 
marked by an iron beacon with diamond-shaped top mark, painted 
in black and white horizontal bands, 21 feet in height above high 
water, erected on the southern rock. The highest rocks of this pla¬ 
teau are: In the west, Leoneguettaer, which dries 5 feet, and Men an 
Treas, 4 feet; in the north, Men ar Chy, several rocks which do not 
cover; in the south, Bluiniers Proper, and Pladen Rock always 
uncovered. 


LA JUMEN1. 


151 


Le Run,Le Gluet, with a gap in it, and Le Huic are three rocks on 
the northern edge of the Glenan Plateau. They are about 0.3 mile 
apart and are always uncovered. 

Le Broc’h—Beacon.— This rock, lying } mile west-south westward 
of St. Nicolas Isle, dries 10 feet, and is marked by a red iron beacon 
with a conical top mark 10 feet above high water. 

About j mile north-northwestward of Penfret Isle is a shoal of ‘21 

* ’ 

fathoms at low water, with T fathoms close outside it. 

Clearing marks. —Penfret Lighthouse, between He Brunec and 
the detached rock northeast of it, leads northward of the northwest¬ 
ern dangers of the Glenan Group and of Le Gluet; thence Men ar Chy 
open northward of Le Run leads northward of the northeastern 
dangers of the group. 

Men Skey Rock open eastward of Penfret Isle, bearing 163°, leads 
eastward of the northeastern dangers. 

Men Skey, a rock never covered, lies nearly 1 mile 29° from the 
semaphore on Penfret Isle; numerous rocks, covered and uncovered, 
extend south-southwest ward for about 1.5 miles from Men Skey to 
the edge of the Chenal de Brilimec. 

Chardinou Gren, a rock with 3 feet over it at lowest water, lies 
2 miles 152° from Penfret Isle. 

Basse an Ero—Buoy.— Basse an Ero, a small reef awash at low 
water and about 600 yards south-southeastward of Chardinou Gren. 

V / 

is marked on its southeast side by a black spindle buoy with a cylin¬ 
drical top mark. 

Les Laouennou, about J mile south-southeastward of Basse an 
Ero, have 41 to 10 fathoms water over them and 16 to 23 fathoms 
close around the greater part. This shoal is the southeasternmost 
of the Glenan Plateau. 

Clearing mark.— The lighthouse on lie de Penfret in line with 
Men Skey Rock, bearing 333°, leads about 600 yards eastward of the 
Ihree last-mentioned dangers. 

La Jument—Buoy.— La Jument, the southernmost shoal of this 
group, is about f mile in extent, part being awash at the lowest tides. 
It is marked by a black spindle buoy, with a cylindrical top mark, 
moored \ mile southward of the shoal. There is deep water south¬ 
ward of the shoal, but between it and the isles there are many rocks. 
Nearly a mile nortliTiiortheastward of the Jument are Les Belvi- 
digens, with 1J fathoms. 

Tower.— A plateau, 350 yards northwestward of Men Goe, a rock 
that dries 13 feet, f mile southward of Loch Isle, is marked by a 
white stone beacon tower 15 feet high. Men Liou, a rock at the 
southwest end of this plateau, dries 16 feet. 

21235°—17-11 



152 


POINTE DE PEN MARC *H-POINTE DU CROISIC. 


Clearing 1 mark. —Penfret Lighthouse in line with the southern 
side of Meaban leads southeastward of La Jument and Les Belvi- 
digens, in about 5 fathoms. 

Basse Malavet has a depth of If fathoms over it and lies about 
1.5 miles northwestward of the Jument. 

Anchorage. —There is anchorage for large vessels in about 9 
fathoms, mud and coral bottom, good holding ground, and well 
sheltered from winds between southward and westward, f mile 355° 
from the lighthouse on Penfret Isle, with the summit of Brunec Isle 
bearing 2G4°, and Glut ar Hir Kock in line with the eastern point of 
Penfret, bearing 170°. 

Westward of Pen a Men, the northern point of Penfret Isle, is a 
mooring buoy where small craft can secure, or they may anchor 
midway between the buoy and the head of the bay northwest of the 
lighthouse in about 10 feet water. 

Small craft may fined good shelter southward of St. Nicolas Isle, 
where there is a mooring buoy in 6 feet of water. 

Anchorage in 31 fathoms, sand and mud, may be had northward 
of Brilimec Isle, where there is shelter from winds between west and 
east through north. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
He cle Penfret, Glenan Isles, at 3h. 22m.; springs rise 16 feet, neaps 
121 feet above lowest springs; ordinary springs range 14 feet, neaps 
6J feet. The flood stream at its commencement sets northward, then 
eastward, and at the end southeastward. Its maximum velocity is 2 
knots an hour. The ebb stream at its commencement sets southward, 
gradually turns to northwestward, in which direction it attains its 
greatest velocity of 3 knots, and at the end northward. In the Chenal 
des Bluiniers both streams follow the direction of the channel, the 
ebb being strongest near Castel Bras. The flood stream is weak 
during easterly winds, when the ebb stream is strong. Generally the 
streams are much influenced by the wind. 

Inside a line joining the lies de Glenan and de Groix the stream 
sets toward the shore from 5 hours to 1 hour before high water at 
Brest. The outer stream usually sets continuously to the northwest. 

Life saving. —Two lifeboats are stationed on the southwest side 
of St. Nicolas Isle, and another on the west side of Penfret Isle. A 
line-throwing gun is established at the lighthouse. 

Pilots. —Pilotage in the Glenans is done by pilots from the sta¬ 
tions of Tudy Isle, Benodet, and Concarneau. If circumstances per¬ 
mit, a pilot from Concarneau is detached to the Glenans. 

Directions. —The semaphore on Beg Meil, Baie de la Forest, open 
westward of lie aux Moutons, bearing 27° by day, and the white light 
of lie aux Moutons, bearing eastward of 28°, or Benodet and Combrit 



CIIENAL DE BRILIMEC. 


153 


Point Lights in line at night, lead westward of all dangers of the 
Glcnan Group. 

Glut Ar TTir Rock, in line with the eastern point of He de Penfret, 
leads eastward of the northeastern danger of the group, and Men 
v in line with Penfret Lighthouse leads eastward of Basse 
an Fro and all the dangers southward of Men Skey. At night, Tie 
aux Mouton Light, seen northward of Penfret Light, leads eastward 
of the latter dangers. Pen Men Light on lie de Groix, bearing north¬ 
ward of 89°. leads southward of the Glenan Group at night. 

For the above anchorage for large vessels from the southward, 
He aux Moutons, bearing 310°, leads between Glenan Isles and Basse 
Jaune, in from IT to 10 fathoms water. 

There are several channels leading through the Glenan Group to 
the anchorages for small craft mentioned above. They can only be . 
used by those with local knowledge. The principal are: 

Chenal des Bluiniers, leading from the western end of the 
plateau to St. Nicolas and Penfret, is entered between the Bluiniers 
Rocks, marked by a beacon, on the north, and the Basse du Chenal, 
with 2 fathoms water on it, to the south. Penfret Semaphore, in line 
with house on He Drenec, leads in, and when abreast of Pladen Rock 
the course is northward of le Broc’h Beacon and between St. Nicolas 
and Drenec Isles, across a bank connecting the two dry at low water, 
to the anchorage southward of the former, or on toward Penfret Isle. 
There are numerous dangers in the passage between St. Nicolas and 
Penfret. 

Chenal de Brilimec leads from the southward into the eastern 
part of the group, passing eastward of La Jument. The water is deep 
until nearly abreast the south end of Penfret. To enter from the 
southwestward, bring Penfret Lighthouse midway between the sema¬ 
phore and the east end of Meaban Rocks bearing 22°, until the right 
gable of the house on St. Nicolas Isle is in line with the northeast 
end of Fort Cicogne, which mark leads to the anchorage northward 
of Brilimec Isle. 

From the southeastward Castel Bras, open southward of lie du 
Loch, bearing 314°. leads in westward of the southeastern dangers of 
the group, and when Penfret Lighthouse is midway between the 
semaphore and the east end of Meaban Rocks proceed as before 
directed. 

There is a passage more than a mile Avide betAveen Glenan Isles 
and Pourceaux Reefs, Avith depths of from 7 to 12 fathoms over a 
Avidth of f mile, and betAveen those reefs and lie aux Moutons the 
passage is 0.7 mile Avide, Avith depths of from 4 to 8 fathoms. 

To pass betAveen the lie aux Moutons and the Pourceaux from the 
AvestAvard, keep Tregunc Church open southward of the rocks of Pen 
an Guern, and leave Basse Rouge beacon toAver about 800 yards to 


156 


POINTE DE PENMARcTl —POINTS DU CROISIC. 


eastward from Beg Meil, at the extremity of which is Linuen Bock, 
marked by a stone tower painted black, with a cylindrical topmark 
9 feet above high water. The top of the tower is about 1^ feet above 
high water. Several rocky heads uncover at low water; the highest, 
named Men ar Pont, dries 3 feet •and lies 600 yards northwestward 
of Linuen Beacon Tower. Rocky ledges also extend 800 yards east¬ 
ward of Beg Meil. Beuzec Light in sight leads southeastward of 
these dangers. 

Southern approach to Concarneau.—The approach to the Baie 
de la Forest from the southward lies between the lies de Glenan, 
previously described, and the Pointe de Trevignon. 

Pointe de Trevignon is rocky and barren, with a large white 
house with a square tower and the white houses of an old semaphore 
on it. On a height 1.2 miles northeastward of the point is St. Phili¬ 
bert Church, with a small slender spire, visible seaward. On the 
west side of the point fishing vessels find shelter from southwesterly 
and westerly winds in a small bay, dry at low water and protected 
by a breakwater. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat and line-throwing gun are at Trevignon. 

Coast.—The coast from Trevignon Point trends in a north-north¬ 
westerly direction for 4.7 miles to Pointe de Cabellou. About 1.5 
miles south-southeastward of Cabellou Point is Pointe de la Jument, 
surrounded by rocky ledges and marked by a white guardhouse and 
a white pyramid, 20 feet high. On Cabellou Point, south side of 
entrance to Port Concarneau, is a guard house. A high house stands 
333 yards northeastward of the point. 

Dangers.—The coast is bordered to a distance of 1.2 miles in 
places by rocky patches, the principal of which are: 

Le Corven de Trevignon, with 14 fathoms water, lies 1.2 miles 
southward of Trevignon Point. 

Clearing marks.—Pointe de Rousbicout in line with the north 
end of Raguenes Islet, bearing 79°, leads southward, and Beuzec 
Lighthouse, in line with the white guardhouse on Jument Point, 
bearing 356°, leads westward of the shoal and of the Soldats. 

Les Soldats, 1 mile northward of Le Corven de Trevignon and 
the same distance offshore is a group of rocks, one head of which 
never covers, and is 1 foot high. Between Le Corven and Les Soldats 
is Flaharn Rock, which dries 5 feet. 

Beacon.—A red beacon tower 35 feet high and 21 feet above high 
water, surmounted by a cone, has been erected on Les Soldats. 

Seleuc—Beacon.—The Selene, a rock situated 2 miles 322° from 
Trevignon Point and 600 yards offshore, is marked by a red metal 
beacon with a conical top mark 11 feet high. Nearly 4 mile south¬ 
eastward of the beacon is Tepot, a whitened rock 8 feet high. 


BATE DE LA FOBEST. 


157 


Le Corven de la Jument, with 2i fathoms over it, lies 1.2 miles 
255° from Pointe de la Jument. Between this rock and the coast 
are several very dry spots. 

Nouarnou, with 3 feet over it, lies £ mile east-southeastward of 
Le Corven de la Jument. 

Clearing 1 mark.—The northern side of the wood of Trevignon, 
open southward of Tepot Bock, leads southwestward of Le Corven 
de la Jument and Nouarnou. 

Ivarek Melanson, with 34 fathoms, and Linuen de Cabellou, with 
44 fathoms, are rocky patches lying south-southwestward j and J 
mile, respectively, from Pointe de Cabellou. 

Karek Steir—Beacon.—Ivarek Steir, a rock in the Baie de 
Pouldohan, 0.8 mile north-northwestward of the pyramid on Jument 
Point, dries 5 feet and is marked by a black metal beacon with 
cylindrical top mark. 

Petit Taro—Beacon.—Pointe de Cabellou is surrounded by a 
bank with rocky ledges and shoals, extending 700 yards from the 
shore. Petit Taro, a rock lying 533 yards southward of the point, 
dries 5 feet and is marked by a red metallic beacon; 450 yards 327° 
from the beacon, at the edge of the shoal bank, is a rock, awash at 
low water, with a patch of 4 fathoms 300 yards west-southwestward 
of it, in the channel. 

Western side of bay.—The Chaussee de Beg Meil has already 
been described. 

Banc Leskeraro, with 3 fathoms on it, lies 1.2 miles 15° from Beg 
Meil and 0.7 mile offshore. 

Eastern side.—Northward of the entrance to Concarneau, on the 

eastern side of the bay, the principal rocks and shoals, in addition 

to those already mentioned, are: Karek ar Forn. with 4 fathoms 

water. 800 yards 294° from Banc Guinoec; Banc Brierou Sud, with 
•/ 

H fathoms at low water, about 0.9 mile east-northeast of Beg Meil 
and 4 mile from the rocks extending off it, with depths of from 6 
co 8 fathoms between; Banc Brierou Nord, 300 yards north of 
Brierou Sud, has 1J fathoms on it and lies on the edge of the shoal 
plateau studded with rocks, covered, uncovered, and awash at low 
water, extending rather more than 1 mile west-southwestward from 
the shore about Concarneau. 

Pladen— Beacon.—Pladen Bock dries 6 feet and is marked by 
a black iron beacon with cylindrical top mark 15 feet above high 
water. It is situated in about the center of the plateau just men¬ 
tioned. Karek Gambromou, awash at low water, about 800 yards 
320° from Pladen, lies on the edge of the plateau. 

Le Score, awash at low water, in the center of a shallow bank J 
mile long, lies 0.8 mile 137° from Cape Cos, at the head of the bay. 


156 


POINTE DE PENMARCpH—POINTE DU CROISIC. 


eastward from Beg Meil, at the extremity of which is Linuen llock, 
marked by a stone tower painted black, with a cylindrical topmark 
9 feet above high water. The top of the tower is about 14 feet above 
high water. Several rocky heads uncover at low water; the highest, 
named Men ar Pont, dries 3 feet#and lies 600 yards northwestward 
of Linuen Beacon Tower. Rocky ledges also extend 800 yards east¬ 
ward of Beg Meil. Beuzec Light in sight leads southeastward of 
these dangers. 

Southern approach to Concarneau.—The approach to the Baie 
de la Forest from the southward lies between the lies de Glenan, 
previously described, and the Pointe de Trevignon. 

Pointe de Trevignon is rocky and barren, with a large white 
house with a square tower and the white houses of an old semaphore 
on it. On a height 1.2 miles northeastward of the point is St. Phili¬ 
bert Church, with a small slender spire, visible seaward. On the 
west side of the point fishing vessels find shelter from southwesterly 
and westerly winds in a small bay, dry at low water and protected 
by a breakwater. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat and line-throwing gun are at Trevignon. 

Coast.—The coast from Trevignon Point trends in a north-north¬ 
westerly direction for 4.7 miles to Pointe de Cabellou. About 1.5 
miles south-southeastward of Cabellou Point is Pointe de la Jument, 
surrounded by rocky ledges and marked by a white guardhouse and 
a white pyramid, 20 feet high. On Cabellou Point, south side of 
entrance to Port Concarneau, is a guard house. A high house stands 
333 yards northeastward of the point. 

Dangers.—The coast is bordered to a distance of 1.2 miles in 
places by rocky patches, the principal of which are: 

Le Corven de Trevignon, with 14 fathoms water, lies 1.2 miles 
southward of Trevignon Point. 

Clearing marks.—Pointe de Rousbicout in line with the north 
end of Raguenes Islet, bearing 79°, leads southward, and Beuzec 
Lighthouse, in line with the white guardhouse on Jument Point, 
bearing 356°, leads westward of the shoal and of the Soldats. 

Les Soldats, 1 mile northward of Le Corven de Trevignon and 
the same distance offshore is a group of rocks, one head of which 
never covers, and is 1 foot high. Between Le Corven and Les Soldats 
is Flaharn Rock, which dries 5 feet. 

Beacon.—A red beacon tower 35 feet high and 21 feet above high 
water, surmounted by a cone, lias been erected on Les Soldats. 

Seleuc—Beacon.—The Selene, a rock situated 2 miles 322° from 
Trevignon Point and 600 yards offshore, is marked by a red metal 
beacon with a conical top mark 11 feet high. Nearly 4 mile south¬ 
eastward of the beacon is Tepot, a whitened rock 8 feet hi oh. 


BATE DE LA FOBEST. 


157 


Le Corven de la Jument, with 21 fathoms over it, lies 1.2 miles 
255° from Pointe de la Jument. Between this rock and the coast 
are several very dry spots. 

Nouarnou, with 3 feet over it, lies 4 mile east-southeastward of 
Le Corven de la Jument. 

Clearing mark.—The northern side of the wood of Trevignon, 
open southward of Tepot Rock, leads southwestward of Le Corven 
de la Jument and Nouarnou. 

Karek Melanson, with 3J fathoms, and Linuen de Cabellou, with 
41 fathoms, are rocky patches lying south-southwestward J and J 
mile, respectively, from Pointe de Cabellou. 

Karek Steir—Beacon.—Karek Steir, a rock in the Baie de 
Pouldohan, 0.8 mile north-northwestward of the pyramid on Jument 
Point, dries 5 feet and is marked by a black metal beacon with 
cylindrical top mark. 

Petit Taro—Beacon.—Pointe de Cabellou is surrounded by a 
bank with rocky ledges and shoals, extending 700 yards from the 
shore. Petit Taro, a rock lying 533 yards southward of the point, 
dries 5 feet and is marked by a red metallic beacon; 450 yards 327° 
from the beacon, at the edge of the shoal bank, is a rock, awash at 
low water, with a patch of 4 fathoms 300 yards west-southwestward 
of it, in the channel. 

Western side of bay.—The Chaussee de Beg Meil has already 
been described. 

Banc Leskeraro, with 3 fathoms on it, lies 1.2 miles 15° from Beg 
Meil and 0.7 mile offshore. 

Eastern side.—Northward of the entrance to Concarneau, on the 
eastern side of the bay, the principal rocks and shoals, in addition 
to those already mentioned, are: Karek ar Forn, with 4 fathoms 
water. 800 yards 294° from Banc Guinoec; Banc Brierou Sud, with 
14 fathoms at low water, about 0.9 mile east-northeast of Beg Meil 
and 4 mile from the rocks extending off it, with depths of from 6 
to 8 fathoms between; Banc Brierou Nord, 300 yards north of 
Brierou Sud, has If fathoms on it and lies on the edge of the shoal 
plateau studded with rocks, covered, uncovered, and awash at low 
water, extending rather more than 1 mile west-southwestward from 
the shore about Concarneau. 

Pladen—Beacon.— Pladen Rock dries 6 feet and is marked by 
a black iron beacon with cylindrical top mark 15 feet above high 
water. It is situated in about the center of the plateau just men¬ 
tioned. Karek Gambromou, awash at low water, about 800 yards 
320° from Pladen, lies on the edge of the plateau. 

Le Score, awash at low water, in the center of a shallow bank J 
mile long, lies 0.8 mile 137° from Cape Cos, at the head of the bay. 


158 


POINTE DE PENMARC^H-POINTE DU CEOISIC. 


In the fairway leading to the head of the bay some rocky patches 
exist, with depths of from 4J to 4f fathoms over them and deeper 
water around. They lie eastward and northeastward of Beg Meil. 

Channel to Port Concarneau—Depths.—The channel leading 
to Port Concarneau is between the rocks on the eastern side of the 
Baie de la Forest, northwestward of Cabellou Point. The depths in 
the channel are from 3 to G fathoms as far as Lanriec, whence to 
the entrance of the inner harbor the least depth is 1| fathoms. 

Dangers, southeastern side.—Le Corven de la Jument, Karek 
Melanson, Petit Taro, and other rocks southward of Cabellou Point 
have already been mentioned. 

Le Cochon—Tower.—Le Cochon, about 600 yards 294° from 
Cabellou Point, is marked by a red beacon tower with a conical top 
mark 14 feet above high water, from which shoal water extends about 
GO yards northwestward. 

Barzic, a rocky ledge on which are some heads awash at high 
water, lies 250 yards east-northeastward of Le Cochon. 

Men Fall—Buoy.—Men Fall, a rocky shoal with about 14 feet 
least water, lies about 700 yards 34° from Le Cochon. A red conical 
buoy with conical top mark marks its western side. 

Kersos—Beacon.—The Iversos Rocks, \ mile eastward of Men 
Fall, dry 3 feet. On the western head is a red beacon with a conical 
top mark 8 feet above high water. Beg Meil semaphore, in line with 
Men Cren, bearing 255°, leads northward in 2 fathoms. 

Northwestern side of channel.—Karek Allidec, a rocky patch 
of fathoms, lies 1.4 miles 125° from Beg Meil Point and 1 mile 
northwest of the line of range lights. 

Banc Guinoec, with 3 fathoms least water, is about 0.7 mile 25° 
from Karek Allidec. A patch of 4} fathoms lies between them. 

Lue Vras—Buoy.—A black spindle buoy with cylindrical top 
mark is moored olf the extremity of the shallow reef extending about 
333 yards south-southeastward from Lue Vias rocky ledges, one of 
which dries 9 feet. 

Basse du Chenal—Beacon.—This shoal has 3 feet of water on 
it and is small in extent. It is marked by a black metal beacon with 
cylindrical top mark 12 feet high. Between this rock and Le Cochon 
the channel is very narrow, with a depth of 3 fathoms at low water. 

Men Cren, a rock, 3 feet high, lies about 400 yards north-north¬ 
westward of Basse du Chenal Beacon; very shoal water extends 200 
yards southeastward of it. 

Medee—Tower.—A shallow rocky bank extends more than 200 
yards southeastward from the south point of the town of Concar¬ 
neau. On the Medee, the outer rock, is a black beacon tower with 
cylindrical top mark 5 feet above high water. About 100 yards 


PORT CONCARNEAU. 


159 


south-southwest of the tower the depth is 1 foot, and at the same 
distance east 1 fathom at low water. 


La Croix Light.—Front light: From a round white turret, 30 
feet in height, in La Croix Battery, at the western entrance point 
of Port Concarneau, an occulting white and red light is exhibited 
at an elevation of 40 feet above high water; the white light is visible 
12 miles and the red light 10 miles. (See Light List.) 

Beuzec Light.—Bear light: Between Concarneau and Beuzec, 
about 1 mile 29 from La Croix Light, is a round white turret 30 feet 


in height, from which is exhibited, at an elevation of ITT feet above 
high water, a fixed white light visible 19 miles. (See Light List.) 

At Lanriec, eastern side of the entrance to the port, from the 
gable of a white house, IT feet in height, a fixed red light is exhibited 
at an elevation of 43 feet above high water, visible 6 miles. The 
light is unwatched. 

Pilots of Concarneau Station go off in the fishing boats of the 
country, with two masts, not decked, which sail and keep the sea 
very well. These pilots also serve the Glenan Isles, and may, in the 
absence of Pouldu pilots, conduct vessels into the ports between 
Pointe de Biec and Fort de Kergan. 

Directions.—From the southward, after passing on either side of 
the Basse Jaune, give a good berth to the dangers off Trevignon 
Point, which are steep-to and mostly covered except at low water; 
a vessel is westward of them, with Beuzec Lighthouse in line with 
the white guardhouse on Jument Point bearing 356°. The soundings 


decrease to 12 and 11 fathoms as the entrance is approached. 

Small vessels bound to the rivers at the head of the Baie de la 
Forest keep the white steeple of La Forest open eastward of Cape 
Cos, at the head of the bay, bearing north, which leads clear of all 
danger. 

To enter Port Concarneau. Beuzec Lighthouse in line with that of 
La Croix Battery bearing 29° (Beuzec belfry is also in line), leads 
in the deepest water through the channel between Lue Vras Bocks, 
Basse du Chenal, and Men Cren on the western side, and Cochon, 
Barzic, and Men Fall Bocks on the eastern. On passing Men Fall 
steer about 5G°, with the white mill of Bois in line with Lanriec ■ 
southern pyramid, leaving the Iversos Bocks to the southward. Then 
pass eastward of Medee Bock and along the eastern shore, with the 
steeple of St. Guenole Church open eastward of the house in the 
southern part of the fortifications, bearing 359°. 

At night keep the 2 white lights of Beuzec and La Croix in line, 
bearing 29°, until the tower of Cochon is passed, then slowly open 
Beuzec Light a little northward of Croix Battery Light. When the 
red light of Lanriec is seen run on about 100 yards and anchor in 
the outer road. 


160 


POINTE DE PENMABcTl-POINTE DU CBOISIC. 


Anchorage.—There is anchorage in the outer road of Concar¬ 
neau, eastward of Men Cren, in about 6 fathoms, sand, with Cabellou 
Point bearing 158° and the white mill over Lanriec 67°. . 

In the entrance to the Baie de la Forest there is anchorage east- 
ward of Beg Miel Point, in 7 or 8 fathoms, with the steeple of La 
Forest open eastward of Cape Cos, bearing 344°. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, at 
Concarneau at 3h. 23m.; springs rise 16 feet, neaps 12^ feet above 
lowest springs, which is 2 feet below the level of low-water ordinary 
springs; ordinary springs range 14 feet, neaps feet. In the 
channel between the islands and Lanriec the ebb stream attains a 
velocity of 2 to 3 knots. 

The strength and direction of the tidal streams between Concar¬ 
neau and Glenan Isles are similar to those in the Anse de Benodet, 
described on previous page. 

Concarneau.—On the eastern side of Forest Bay is the small 
harbor of Concarneau, which has good anchorage, but is suitable 
only for small vessels, the entrance being obstructed by rocks, and it 
should not be attempted without a pilot. It is open to the south¬ 
ward and is sheltered from the westward by the promontory upon 
which the new town is built. The old town, which stands on an 
island 400 yards long and 200 yards broad in the middle of the har¬ 
bor, is surrounded by thick stone walls, with a projecting parapet, 
and towers at regular distances. The suburbs are more extensive 
than the town and are better built. The boats belonging to the place 
are engaged in the sardine fishery. Besides sardines and other fish, 
the exports are cider, wood, and grain; the imports, salt, wine, spirits, 
and Norwav deals. 

Harbors.—The port comprises an outer harbor, with a small 
inner harbor on its west side dry at low water: a large inner harbor 
almost entirely dry at low water, northward of the old town; and the 
small harbor of La Croix. 

The outer harbor southward of the old town is protected from 
southerly winds by a mole projecting eastward from the western 
point of entrance; on the western side are quays, alongside which 
vessels can ground on hard bottom covered with muddy sand. There 
is an opening in the quay admitting to the small inner harbor. 

The western part of the outer harbor dries at low water. The 
eastern part, forming the channel leading to the large inner harbor. 

has a least depth of 1^ fathoms and a width of about 100 yards at 

. «/ 

low water, but this width is reduced to less than 50 yards m the 
northern part of the channel, abreast the old town, by a rock awash 
at low water. 

Westward of La Croix Light is a small bay formed by a ledge of 
rocks on which a mole has been constructed, providing shelter for 


CONCAENEAU. 


161 


fishing boats from southwest winds. The greater part of the space 
inside the mole dries at low water. 

Supplies, etc.—Provisions in abundance may be obtained at Con- 
carneau; also a small quantity of water, but little coal. There are 
shipbuilding yards (wood) and metal workshops. Communication 
is by rail, post, and telegraph. Population, 5,800. 

Life saving.—Stations for assisting shipwrecked mariners are 
at Concarneau and Beg Meil semaphore. 

The coast from Trevignon Point trends easterly for 5 miles to 
the entrance of the little rivers Aven and Belon, both of which are 
shallow and have bars that dry 24 feet at the lowest tides. The 
former has a lighthouse on the western point of its entrance. 

The most noticeable objects on shore are the steeples of Tremorvan 
and Nevez, the latter 2 miles north-northeast of Pointe de Raguenes. 

lie Verte.—About 2.5 miles 117° from Trevignon Point and a 
mile offshore is He Verte, a small islet covered with grass and nearly 
surrounded with shoals, which extend eastward 800 and southwest- 
ward 500 yards; 4 mile 202° is Karek-bras, with 1^ fathoms on it. 
Within lie Verte is Raguenes Islet, which is connected at low water 
with the point of the same name and on which there are two chimneys 
of a factory in ruins. 

Beacon.—An iron beacon painted black and with a cylindrical top 
mark has been placed on Mine ITocli Rock, about 800 yards south¬ 
eastward of Raguenes Islet. 

The channel between the two islets has a depth of 3J fathoms over 
a width of 300 yards. The signal mast at Beg Morg, between the 
semaphore and the beacon tower of Les Verres, bearing 90°, leads 
through. 

Dangers.—The principal dangers lying off this part of the coast 
are the following: 

Men Du, a rock 3 feet high, lies nearly 1.2 miles 151° from 
Trevignon Point. A rock with H fathoms on it lies about 200 yards 
westward of Men Du. 

Corn-Vas—Buoy.—Corn-Vas, with 1 fathom of water on it, lies 
about 0.6 mile 141° from Men Du and is marked on its southwest side 
by a red spindle buoy with a conical top mark. 

Clearing mark.—The steeple of Tregunc, seen halfway between 
the old semaphore and the large house on Trevignon Point, bearing 
359°, leads westward of Men Du and Corn-Vas. 

Men an Treas, 1 mile 248° from lie Verte and about 600 yards 
east of Corn-Vas, uncovers 4 feet at lowest springs. 

Les Cochons de Rousbicout, one head of which dries 1 foot, ex¬ 
tend about 800 yards off the Pointe de Rousbicout. Penfret Isle 
Lighthouse, open southward of lie Verte, bearing 244°, leads south- 


162 


POINTE DE PEN MARC *H-POINTE DU CROISIC. 


ward of the rocks. The lighthouse will appear over some rocks off 
the islet on the bearing given. 

Ar Gazek, a rocky shoal with 34 fathoms least water, lies 1.3 
miles south of Pointe de Rousbicout and 1.5 miles eastward of He 
Yerte. Toni ar Bezine, a shoal with 3f fathoms, lies J mile inshore 
of Ar Gazek. These shoals only break in a heavy swell. 

Les Verres—Tower.—Southward of the entrance of the Rivieres 
Aven and Belon, and about mile offshore, are rocky reefs over a 
mile in extent, comprising in the western part Le Trepied, which 
rarely breaks; in the northern part, Le Cochon, which dries 2 feet at 
lowest water; and in the eastern part Les Verres proper, rocks un¬ 
covering 8 feet, and marked by a red and black tower, with a spheri¬ 
cal top mark, 14 feet above high water, on their southern end. The 
passage eastward of the rocks has a depth of from 14 to 24 fathoms. 
The Verres are covered by a sector of red light from Pointe d’ar 
Vechen Lighthouse. 

Clearing mark.—Trevignon Point, in line with the south side 
of Raguenes Islet, bearing 281°, leads southward of the rocks. 

Pointe de Riec divides the river entrances. A black beacon marks 
some rocks on the west side of the bar of the Aven River, and a red 
beacon is erected off the extremity of the east entrance point of the 
Belon River. 

Off the river entrances the depths are from 2 to 3 fathoms, decreas¬ 
ing toward the bars. 

Light .—On Pointe d’ar Vechen, at the western side of the en¬ 
trance of the Riviere Aven, is a round white turret 26 feet in height, 
from which is exhibited at an elevation of 125 feet above high water 
a fixed white, red, and green light. The white light is visible 8 miles, 
the red 4 miles, and the green 4 miles. 

The coast—Semaphore.—About 24 miles southeastward from 
the entrance of Aven and Belon Rivers is Beg Morg, near which is a 
semaphore and close to which are the Men Toul Rock, drying 5 feet, 
and Les Cochons de Beg Morg Rocks, which dry 2 feet at low tide. 

Clearing mark.—Larmor mill, eastward of Douelan, in line with 
Kerlagal mill, westward of Douelan, bearing 88°, leads southward of 
Les Cochons de Beg Morg. 

Immediately eastward of Beg Morg is Port de Brigneau, a small 
inlet, with rocks at either side of its entrance, from the western point 
of which a mole projects 62 yards toward the opposite point. Thfc 
foot of the jetty end is awash at low water. About 4 mile south- 
southeast of the entrance is a rock awash at low water. 

Port de Brigneau Light.—A fixed white light, elevated 22 feet 
above high water, and visible 6 miles, is exhibited from a white iron 
column 18 feet high at the outer end of the mole, western side of the 


PORT DE BRIGNEAU. 


163 


entrance to Port de Brigneau. The light is unwatched. (See Light 
List.) 

About f mile eastward of Port de Brigneau is Port de Meryen, the 
entrance to which is also rocky and protected on the west side by a 
ledge extending southward, off the extremity of which is Le Cochon, 
a rock drying 2 feet at low water. A white beacon has been estab¬ 
lished on the hill westward of the port. About 1.5 miles eastward of 
Meryen is Port de Douelan. These small ports are used only by 
fishing boats. In bad weather from the southwestward fishing boats 
unable to enter Douelan find refuge in Meryen. 

Dangers.—The Basse de Kercecol, with 41 fathoms, and Karek- 
bras, with 4f fathoms water, lie westward of Douelan, and about 0.7 
and 4 mile offshore, respectively. They break with a heavy swell 
from seaward. Basse an Iliss, 1 mile southward of the entrance to 
Douelan, with 4J fathoms water over it, only breaks in very bad 
weather. Basse Porsac, with 24 fathoms over it, lies about a mile 
southeastward of the entrance to Douelan. 

Clearing marks.—A conspicuous white house on the eastern side 
of Anse du Pouldu, in line with the middle of Fort du Guidel, bear- 
. ing 92°, leads southward of the basses of Kercecol, Karekbras, and 

Porsac, but close to Basse an Iliss, to pass southward of which open 

/ 

the house well southward of the fort. 

Douelan—Beacons.—At the entrance of Douelan are: On the 
Avest side the Basse le Croix, which dries 4 feet, and marked by a 
black beacon; Grande Vache, the entrance point; and on the east side 
Le Four Rock, marked by a red beacon tower with a conical top 
mark, 14 feet above high water. 

Measured distance—Beacons.—A measured distance run has 
been established by beacons, as follows, between the lies de Glenan 
and the lie de Groix (direction, 284°, 104°, on the line of beacons) : 

lie de Groix front beacon is in masonry, painted white with a 
black stripe, erected on the cliffs of St. Nicolas. The rear beacon is 
a black disk erected in front of the village of Kerigant. 

lies de Glenan rear beacon is a cylindrical tower, about 65 feet 
high, erected on the southern portion of Fort Cigogne. The front 
beacon is white with a black circular top mark erected on He 
Guiautec. 

The eastern limit is formed by the 2 lighthouses of Douelan, in 
line with a white gable-shaped beacon in rear bearing 14°. 

The western limit is formed by the clock tower of Riec, in line with 
2 white gable-shaped beacons on the high ground on the eastern side 
of Belon River entrance bearing 21°. 

In addition 2 beacons have been erected, the one, white rectan¬ 
gular on He Verte, and the other, white gable-shaped, on the beach 




164 


POINTE DE PENMARCpH-POINTE DU CKOISIC. 


of Raguenes. These beacons in line bearing 14° indicate the prox¬ 
imity to Basse Jaune. 

The length of the base between the eastern and western limits is 
34,409 feet, and between the eastern limit and He Verte-Raguenes 
line is 45,853 feet. 

Range lights—Front.—On the eastern side of Port de Douelan, 
about 200 yards frorri the entrance, from a round white turret 33 
feet in height is exhibited, 82 feet above high water, a fixed white 
light, visible 7 miles. (See Light List.) 

Rear.—On the western side of the port, 356 yards 14° from the 
front lighthouse, from a similar turret, is exhibited, 118 feet above 
high water, a fixed white light, visible 7 miles. (See Light List.) 

The 2 lights in line lead toward the port. 

Buoy.—A red conical buoy is moored on the eastern side of the 
entrance to Port de Douelan. 

Life saving.—A line-throwing gun is established at Port de 
Douelan, and stations for assisting shipwrecked mariners at Aven 
River and Port de Brigneau. 

Anse du Pouldu, comprised between Douelan and Fort de Ker¬ 
gan, affords good shelter from easterly winds, but it is quite open 
to the southward and westward. The bottom, generally muddy 
sand, is good holding ground. 

Semaphore.—About f mile southward of Quimperle River en¬ 
trance is.Pouldu semaphore, placed in a redoubt on a cliff 165 feet 
in height. The house of the semaphore is yellow. 

Anchorage.—There is anchorage in about 7 fathoms in the east¬ 
ern part of the bay, 1 mile from the shore and well sheltered from 
easterly winds, with Guidel Steeple in line with the semaphore, 
bearing 33°, and the steeple of Bourg de Groix open westward of 
Grand Cochon Beacon Tower, bearing 152°. Small vessels anchor 
nearer the shore under the semaphore, in about 2 fathoms, sand 
and mud, with Guidel Steeple open northward of the semaphore, 
and the eastern extremity of lie de Groix open westward of the rocks 
of Fort de Kergan. 

Riviere de Quimperle.—The entrance to this river, 3 miles east¬ 
ward of Port de Douelan, is narrow and the bar dries between 
6 and 7 feet. The river is only frequented by small coasters able 
to lie aground on the sand banks in it. Vessels drawing 8 feet can 
ascend at spring tides to the town of Quimperle (about 6^ miles 
from the entrance), which has a considerable trade. Close off the 
entrance of the Quimperle are some rocks marked by beacons, which 
dry 4 feet at low water. The ebb stream attains a velocity of 6 knots, 
and entry is impossible one hour after high water at springs. 

Pilots are stationed at Pouldu Bay, and have the right of piloting 
vessels in the ports between Pointe de Riec and Fort de Kergan. 


RIVIERE DE QUIMPERLE. 


165 


The coast from Quimperle River trends to the southward for 2 
miles to I ort de Kergan, on a rock about 200 }uirds from the shore. 

From Fort de Kergan rocks sunken and dry at low water extend 
westward and southwestward nearly 0.6 mile, and the coast for 3.2 
miles to Taint Point is bordered by rocky patches. 

Dangers.—The following dangers lie offshore between Fort de 
Kergan and Pointe du Talut: 

Basse Garo, with 2J fathoms on it, lies a little more than 1 mile 
220° from Fort de Kergan and about the same distance offshore. 

Petit Cochon, which dries 7 feet, lies 600 yards eastward of Basse 
Garo. 

Grand Cochon—Tower.—A black beacon tower, with cylindrical 
top mark, 21 feet high, marks the Grand Cochon Rock, which dries 
8 feet, situated about 1 mile 201° from Fort de Kergan, and 0.9 
mile offshore; a patch of 2 fathoms lies 300 yards 37° from it, and 
half way between the tower and the shore is Basse Blanche, which 
dries 1 foot. 

Les Soeurs Rocks, 2 feet high, is situated about 0.6 mile north¬ 
westward of Pointe de Kerroch and 800 yards offshore. 

Pointe de Kerroch Light.—A fixed red light, visible 2 miles 

» 

in clear weather, is shown at an elevation of 46 feet above high water 
from a white support on a small house situated on Kerroch Point, 
about mile northwestward of Pointe du Talut. 

Rocks extend 400 yards west-northwestward from Kerroch Point, 
the outermost, named Les Loups, dry 10 feet at low water. 

Clearing marks.—Pointe du Talut, open southward of Les 
Soeurs Rocks leads southwestward of Basse Garo and Grand Cochon. 

The houses of Douelan in line with Grand Cochon, bearing 310°, 
lead southward of Les Soeurs and Les Loups. 

Pointe du Talut, 5.5 miles south-southeast of the entrance to 
Quimperle River and about 3 miles westward of the entrance of 
Lorient, is low and bare. On its eastern part are the earthworks of 
a fort, westward of which is a high menhir. 

lie de Groix lies 18 miles east-southeastward of the Glenan Tsles, 
and there is a good, deep channel between it and the mainland. It 
is about 150 feet high, 4.2 miles long west-northwestward and east- 
southeastward, and 1.5 miles broad. 

The population, 4,935 in number, is mostly seafaring, and their 
chief occupation is fishing. 

Landmarks.—The lighthouse of Pen Men and some houses east¬ 
ward of it; the spire of St. Tudy (Bourg de Groix) near the center 
of the isle; some mills a little farther east; the fort of La Croix at 
the eastern end of the isle; and the lighthouse at Pointe des Chats, 
are conspicuous. 


166 


POINTE DE PENMARC ? H—POINTE DU CROISIC. 


Pen Men Point, the westward extremity of Groix Isle, is bor¬ 
dered by rocks, and the depth about 300 yards northwestward of the 
point is 51 fathoms. 

Pen Men Light.—In the western part of the isKs and about 
mile south-southeastward of Pen Men Point, from a square white 
lower, 75 feet in height, is exhibited, at an elevation of 194 feet above 
high water, a flashing white light, visible 20 miles. (See Light List.) 

Basse Buzick, 4 mile westward of Pen Men Point, has a depth of 
fathoms water over it. This shoal should be avoided in south¬ 
westerly weather, as then there is a heavy sea on it. 

Clearing mark.—Larmor Steeple, in line with Grasu Beacon 
tower, bearing 01°, leads northwestward of Basse Buzick and of the 
rocks off Pen Men Point. 

Basse de Groix, with 8 fathoms on it, lies nearly 2.3 miles 282° 
from Pen Men Point. There is also a heavy sea on this bank with 
strong winds from seaward. 

The northern coast of the island is generally free from danger, 
except near the eastern end. Basse des Bretons, with depths of 9 to 
15 fathoms, sand and rock, extends nearly halfway from the western 
part of the island to the main, and the Basse du Grognon, with 64 
fathoms on it, lies about f mile 18° from Grognon Point. Petit 
Chauteau Point, open northward to Pointe du Spernec bearing 113°, 
leads between Basse du Grognon and He de Groix. 

Semaphore.—On Beg Melen, northern side of the isle, | mile east¬ 
ward of Pen Men Point, is a semaphore with a yellow house, 177 
feet above high water. 

Telegraph cables.—Two cables are landed on the northern coast 
of Groix Isle, westward and eastward of Port Melin. The position 
and direction of each cable are marked by a pair of beacons painted 
in blue and white horizontal bands with a white circular top mark. 
The western pair are 155 yards apart bearing 210°, and the eastern 
pair 245 yards apart bearing 219°. 

Port Lay, a small tidal harbor, situated near the middle of the 
northern coast, is protected by jetties, which leave only a narrow 
opening between them, but, notwithstanding, the surf is often so 
heavy that the fishing boats are unable to stay there. Two mooring- 
buoys are placed off the entrance. 

Measured distance—Beacons.—A shorter measured distance 
run for the use of torpedo-boat destroyers, between lie de Groix and 
Lorient approaches, has been marked by beacons. The direction of 
the run is 321°, 141° on a beacon near Pointe de Kerroch Light¬ 
house. The northwest and southeast limits are marked by align¬ 
ments of beacons with triangular top marks at Port Lay and Port, 
Milit, respectively. The length of the base is 6,136 feet. ‘ 


PORT TUDY. 


167 


Port Tudy, a short distance eastward of Port Lay, is practicable 
at lowest water to vessels not drawing more than 10 feet. The 
entrance is between the ends of the new jetties, and there are four 
mooring buoys in the port for the use of the numerous fishing ves¬ 
sels which frequent it. A small vessel can obtain provisions and a 
little water. There is a post and telegraph office. There is a daily 
steamer to Lorient. 

Port Tudy Lights.—A fixed red light is exhibited from a cylin¬ 
drical turret, painted in black and white bands, at the end of the 
east jetty. (See Light List.) 

At the end of the west or north jetty, from a similar turret, painted 
white, is exhibited, 36 feet above high water, a fixed green light, 
visible 4 miles. This light is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

The end of the east jetty is painted black, and the end of the west 
or north jetty is painted red. 

Dangers.—A rock with 3 feet on it lies 130 yards eastward of the 
end of the new east jetty; another, with 10 feet on it, is situated about 
200 yards northeastward of the end of the north jetty. The spire of 
St. Tudy in line with the red end of the north jetty leads between 
these two rocks. 

Le Spernec Pock—Beacon.—This rock, situated about 500 yards 
eastward of the entrance to Port Tudy, uncovers 13 feet and is 
marked by a black iron beacon with a cylindrical top mark. East¬ 
ward of the beacon rocks extend 600 yards northward from Spernec 
Point. 

Basses Milit—Buoy.—A mile eastward of Port Tudy are rocks 
and shallow patches, named Basses Milit, extending about 600 yards 
offshore. They are steep-to and are marked by a black spindle buoy 
with a cylindrical top mark on their northern side. 

Clearing marks.—The semaphore on Beg Melen open northward 
of the battery on Pointe du Grognon, bearing 276°, leads northward 
of all dangers eastward of Port Tudy. The fixed white light of 
Pointe de la Croix in sight leads eastward of these dangers. 

Pilots of Groix Station have the right to pilot vessels in the Groix 
Channel. Their boats have two sails and are similar to those used 
in the sardine fishery. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed at Port Tudy, and in case of 
urgency will take off a pilot. There is also a line-throwing gun. 

At the semaphore on Pointe de la Croix there is a relief station 
for shipwrecked people. 

Anchorage. —There is anchorage in about 11 fathoms, sand and 
gravel, well sheltered from winds between west and south, \ mile 
northward of Port Tudy entrance. With a northwesterly wind the 
sea becomes too heavy to remain at this anchorage; shelter should 
then be obtained at Port Louis or Quiberon Bay. 

21235°—17-12 



168 


POINTS DE PENMARC'H—POINTE DU CROISIC. 


Port Milit, | mile eastward of Port Tudy, is a creek sheltered by 
the neighboring rocks and is sometimes frequented by fishermen and 
pilots, but only in fine weather. 

Pointe de la Croix Light.—On the edge of the cliff at this 
point at the east end of the isle from a small metal tower 6 feet in 
height is exhibited, at an elevation of 49 feet above high water, a 
fixed white and red light. The white light is visible 8 miles and 
the red light 3 miles. The light is unwatched. 

Semaphore.—At the eastern end of the island, southward of 
Pointe de la Croix, in the southwestern angle of an old redoubt is a 
semaphore with a yellow house 164 feet above the sea. 

A bank composed of sand, shells, and rock, with depths of from 
3| to 5 fathoms on its outer edge, extends about 1.5 miles eastward 
from the east end of the island. It should be avoided by large 
vessels. The steeple of Lorient, in line with the western side of the 
fortifications of St. Louis, bearing 6°, leads eastward of the bank. 

Basse du Guihel, 3.5 miles 99° from Pointe de la Croix, has 5| 
to 64 fathoms over it and extends 4 mile east and west. It only 
breaks in heavy weather. 

Clearing marks.—Pointe du Grognon, open northward of Pointe 
du Spernec, north coast of He de Groix, leads northward; Pointe 
d’Enfer, in line with Pointe des Chats, bearing 271°, leads south¬ 
ward ; Plcemeur Steeple, in line with the tower on Les Truies Rocks, 
entrance to Lorient, bearing 332°, leads westward; and Larmor 
Tower, in line with a warehouse northward of Larmor, bearing 334°, 
leads eastward of Basse du Guihel. 

The southern coast of the isle from Pen Men to Pointe d’Enfer is 
clear and may be approached to 4 mile. Eastward of Pointe d’Enfer 
the bottom is foul, and shoals extend southward more than f mile 
from the western entrance point of Port Maria. 

Port Maria is open to seaward and is used only by fishing boats 
with offshore winds and fine weather. The channel is marked by 
beacons, the outer one being a red tower on the extremity of a ledge 
of rocks extending from the eastern entrance point. 

Pointe des Chats Light.—On this point, the southeastern ex¬ 
tremity of the isle, from a white square tower, 43 feet high, with the 
keeper’s house adjoining, is exhibited at an elevation of 49 feet above 
high water a flashing red light, visible 12 miles. (See Light List.) 

Dangers.—Rocky reefs extend 1.7 miles southward from Pointe 
des Chats. These reefs break heavily in gales from seaward, espe¬ 
cially on the ebb. 

Les Chats, about 0.6 mile southward of the point, dry 1 foot; 
another head about 400 yards southwestward dries 3 feet. 

Basses des Chats—Whistle buoy.—This shoal, an isolated 
patch of 2 fathoms and the southern of the dangers extending from 


APPROACHES TO LORIENT. 


169 


the isle, lies nearly 1.7 miles 147° from Pointe cles Chats. It is 
marked on its southeastern side by a black whistle buoy. The shoal 
is covered by a sector of red light from Pointe de la Croix Light¬ 
house. There is a small 4-fathom patch westward of this shoal, with 
deeper water between it and the Chats Rocks. 

Clearing marks.—Lorient Church tower and La Peyriere Light¬ 
house, or their lights at night, in line bearing 8°, lead close eastward 
of the shoals and over the outer part of the bank extending eastward 
of the island, in depths of 44 fathoms. 

Pointe St. Nicolas, in line with the next point to the northwest¬ 
ward. bearing 307°, leads southwest ward of all the dangers off Port 
Maria and Pointe des Chats. 

Tidal streams.—To northwestward of Groix Isle the streams 
have a rotary motion and are weak. At low water the stream sets 
northwestward 1J knots an hour at springs; at 2 hours after, north¬ 
ward 4 knot; and at half-flood northeastward f knot. At high water 
it sets southeastward J knot; 2 to 3 hours after, southwestward, 1 
to 2 knots; and finishing at northwestward at low water as just 
mentioned. 

Near Groix Isle the north-going stream at the first of the flood 
divides into 2 branches on the southern side of the isle, one setting 
around the western end and the other around the eastern. Around 
the isle the velocity of the flood stream does not exceed 1J knots, and 
that of the ebb 2 knots. 

In the middle of the channel, between Groix Isle and the main, the 
flood sets northeastward at 14 hours after low water, then east-north¬ 
eastward and finishes by setting south-southeastward at high water. 
The first of the ebb sets south-southwestward; 2 hours after high 
water it sets westward and then northwestward in the' general direc¬ 
tion of the channel till 14 hours after low water. 

With easterlv and southeasterly winds the stream in the channel 
sets constantly northwestward, especially if much fresh water is com¬ 
ing out of Lorient. 

Approaches to Lorient.—The coast from Pointe du Taint trends 
eastward for 2.5 miles to Loqueltas Fort, between which and Pointe 
de Gavre, nearly 1.5 miles southeastward, is the entrance to the 
harbors of Port Louis and Lorient. The bay comprised between 
Talut Point and Pointe de Gavre is sheltered by the land from 
northerly winds and by Groix Isle from those from the southwest- 
ward. 

The small bay, eastward of Talut Point, is only frequented by fish- 
in»’ boats. Loumener, 4 mile farther east, possesses a sardine fishery. 
Anse de Stole, with a large sand beach, lies between Loumener Point 
on the west and Kerpape Point on the east. Shoals extend off this 


170 


POINTE DE PEN MARC *H—POINTE DU CROISIC. 


bay to Grasu Rock. Roliou Rock, at the west side of the entrance 

7 

to Anse de Stole, is marked by two black beacons. 

A rocky ledge, dry at low water, extends 733 yards southeastward 
from Kerpape Point. Between this ledge and the rocks off Loqueltas 
Point is Anse de Kerguelen, in which are less than 2 fathoms water, 
with several rocks covered and uncovered. The largest, named Cote- 
ron Rock, dries 13 feet, and lies \ mile from the shore. 

Loqueltas Village, on the western side of the entrance to the harbor 
of Port Louis, possesses several fishing vessels. 

Larmor Village has two little bays, partly protected by jetties, 
marked by beacons at the outer ends. Boats come here in summer 
for the sardine fishery. A rock with 3 feet water over it lies off the 
village, with Larmor Spire bearing 296°, distant 1 mile. Larmor 
Tower, surmounted by a flagstaff, is situated about 0.6 mile north¬ 
ward of the village. It serves as a landmark and is surrounded by 
trees. 

Pointe de Gavre, the eastern entrance point of the harbor of 
Lorient, is the southwestern extremity of the peninsula of Le Gavre, 
which is connected with the mainland by a narrow isthmus, about 
3 miles in length, the width of which at its western end is about 50 
yards. About 600 yards northward of the point is a fort and be¬ 
tween them are batteries. 

Semaphore.—On the western side of the Gavre Peninsula and 
400 yards northward of Gavre Point is a semaphore, 110 feet above 
high water. The mast is black and the house is white with a red roof. 

Landmarks.—The most prominent objects seen when approach¬ 
ing Lorient from the westward are the spire of Ploemeur, situated 
2.7 miles northeast of Taint Point; the church steeple and tower of 
Larmor, the fortifications and steeple of Port Louis, and the light¬ 
house of Kerbel eastward of that town; the slender spire of Plou- 
hinec, 4 miles eastward of Port Louis and nearly 1.5 miles from the 
shore; and the semaphore and chapel near Pointe de Gavre. 

Approaching from the southward are seen the church tower of 
Lorient, the white lighthouse and mill of La Peyriere. 

Harbor of Port Louis and Lorient.—The harbor extends north¬ 
eastward from the entrance for a distance of 3 miles, where it re¬ 
ceives the waters of the Pont Scorf and Blavet Rivers. 

The shores of the harbor are indented with numerous bays, mostly 
filled with mud fiats, dry at low water. 

- The width of the harbor varies from 600 yards between Port Louis 
C itadel and Kernevel Fort to 2 miles southward of St. Michel Islet. 

On the eastern side of the harbor, between the Gavre Peninsula 
and the town of Port Louis, is the entrance, less than 200 yards wide, 
to a shallow inlet which extends 3 miles eastward, separated from 


\ 


APPROACHES TO LORIENT. 


171 


tlio sea by a very narrow strip of land. The breadth of the inlet is 
-4 mile in places. 

I he town and citadel of Port Louis are on the eastern side of the 
harbor, about 2 miles from the sea. The anchorage is northward of 
the citadel. 

St. Michel Islet lies in the center of the harbor, about 0.8 mile 
northward of Port Louis Citadel. It is covered with yellow lazaret 
buildings, and has a large fort on its southern end. 


•Northward of St. Michel Islet, off Penmane, is the road of Lorient. 
The western entrance and roadstead are stated to have been deepened, 
and the harbor is constantly being dredged to remove the silt brought 
down by the rivers. 

Channels.—A plateau of rocks, lying from 1 to 1.7 miles west¬ 
ward of Pointe de Gavre, divides the entrance to Lorient Harbor into 
two principal channels, named West and South Passes, which unite 
northwestward of Gavre Point, where they join the channel leading 
northeastward of Lorient. This channel, when near Port Louis, sud¬ 
denly contracts from a width of about 400 yards to a width of 130 
yards between the Jument Pock and the ledge extending from the 
citadel, expanding again when north of the latter. 

Southward of St. Michel Islet the channel to Lorient bifurcates 
and forms a passage on each side of the islet. The western channel 
passes between the southern end of Turc Bank and Kernevel and is 
the one most used, but is little more than 100 yards wide in places. 
The eastern channel is narrower, as is also the navigable channel of 


the Pont Scorf Kiver. 

Buoy.—A black buoy is moored on the edge of the shoals south¬ 
eastward of St. Michel Islet and south-southwestward of the buoy 
marking Jean Bank. 

Depths. 1 —The least depth that must be passed over by vessels 
proceeding to Lorient, entering by the West Pass, is 2} fathoms at 
lowest water, 5-J fathoms at high-water springs, and 4f fathoms at 
high-water neaps, and is found on the bar extending across the mouth 
of the harbor from Fort Loqueltas to Pointe de Gavre, in a channel 

about 300 yards wide. 

< 


1 West Pass—Dredging —Buoys .—While dredging operations are in progress a line of 
four white can buoys will be moored on the northern side of West Pass about 400 feet 
northward of the line of the leading lights, and four similar buoys will be moored on the 
southern side of the pass the same distance from the leading line. These buoys will 
mark the site of the dredging operations. 

Signals .—When the dredger is at work it will show by day two black balls placed ver¬ 
tically. Until further notice the dredger will not work during the night. Vessels whose 
draft does not permit them to navigate the pass while the dredger is at work, will 
make the international code signal I. T. C. (“Clear the pass”), and proceed with cau¬ 
tion. The dredger will then either move out of the way or make one of the following 
signals: P. F. B. (“Impossible”), or L. N. P. (“Pass the dredger on your starboard 
hand ”), or L. N. O. (“ Pass the dredger on your port hand ”). 

Remarks .'—Vessels of light draft should be careful not to impede the work of the 
dredger. 



172 


POINTE DE PENMARC'H-POINTE DU CROISIC. 


Entering by the South Pass the depths are the same as those for 
the West Pass. 

Within the bar the water deepens and for a space of about 1.2 
miles in length abreast Port Louis the depths are from 6 to 17 
fathoms. In the channel westward of St. Michel Islet the least 
water on the leading marks is 3 fathoms at low water, and is south- 
westward of the island between Turc Bank and Kernevel, and also 
northward of that bank. In the channel eastward of St. Michel the 
least depth charted is 13 fathoms at lowest water, but is stated to be 
2J feet less. 

Northward of St. Michel Islet the depths are from 6 to 10 fathoms 
over a space \ mile in length, above which the general depths to 
Lorient vary from 3 to 5 fathoms at low water. 

A vessel with a draft of nearly 29 feet has visited the port. 

Buoyage.—The buoys and beacons are mentioned with the dan¬ 
gers they indicate. The edge of the mud on the western side of the 
channel between Kernevel and Lorient is marked by black buoys, 
and some red buoys with a white band are stated to be moored on 
the eastern side of the channel. 

Dangers in approach—West Pass—North side.—Les Trois 
Pierres, a large rocky plateau, with 4 feet water on it, lies about 0.9 
mile east-southeastward of Pointe du Talut. Grand Cochon Beacon 
Tower, open southward of Talut Point, leads southward of the rocks. 

Grasu Pock—Tower.—Grasu Rock is near the southern end of 
the shoals off Kerpape and is one of a group of rocks which uncover 
at low water. It is marked bv a black beacon tower with a cylindri¬ 
cal top mark 16 feet above high water. A rock that dyies 3 feet lies 
200 yards southeastward of the beacon tower and shoal water ex¬ 
tends 100 yards farther southward. 

La Paille, over J mile eastward of Grasu Rock, has 3 feet on it at 
lowest water. 

% * 

Buoy.—A white spindle buoy lies 450 yards 192° from La Paille, 
marking the limit of a firing ground. 

La Pierre d’Orge—Tower.—La Pierre d’Orge, nearly \ mile 
315° from Loqueltas Fort, is a group of rocks drying 7 feet, marked 
on its eastern side by a black beacon tower with a cylindrical top 
mark 17 feet above high water. 

Basse du Chenal, 450 yards south-southeastward of Pierre 
d’Orge, is a narrow rocky shoal with 2 fathoms over it at lowest 
water. 

Les Saisies Reef—Beacon.—Les Saisies, rocky reef, extending 
450 yards southward from Loqueltas Fort, is marked by a black 
iron beacon with a cylindrical top mark 8 feet above high water on 
Ivaleri Rock, 200 yards northeastward of its southern point. 


APPROACHES TO LORIENT. 


173 


Shoal Buoy.—A small shoal with 2 fathoms water over it, about 
MO yards 144° from Kaleri, is marked by a black spindle buoy with 
a cylindrical top mark on its southeastern side. 

South side.—Truies Bank, nearly 0.6 mile long, east and west, 
lies with its western end about 1.7 miles west-southwestward of Gavre 
Point. Although there is a depth of 2 fathoms on this bank at lowest 
water, the sea breaks on its southern side in bad weather from sea¬ 
ward. 

Clearing marks.—Grand Cochon beacon tower, open southward 
of Talut Point, bearing 300°, leads southward of Truies Bank. The 
chapel of Gavre, in line with the semaphore, bearing 60°, or the 
chapel open southward of the semaphore, leads southeastward of 
Truies Bank. 

Les Truies Bocks—Tower.—These rocky ledges are about 1 
mile westward of Gavre Point. Their highest part dries 14 feet at 
lowest water. A red beacon tower with a conical top mark 17 feet 
above high water is on their western end. 

Le Cheval, 400 yards northeastward of les Truies, is a ledge dry¬ 
ing 10 feet at lowest water. A detached rock awash at low water 
lies nearly 100 yards northward of it. 

Buoy.—A red spindle buoy with conical top mark is moored about 
165 yards northwestward of Le Cheval, on the eastern side of West 
Pass. 

Les Trois Pierres—Light.—This rock, which dries 2 feet, lies 
about 1,265 yards 54° from the Truies Tower and has an octagonal 
tower 34 feet high, painted in white and red horizontal bands on it, 
from which is exhibited, 36 feet above high water, a fixed red and 
green light. The red light is visible 10 miles and the green light 8 
miles. It is unwatched. 

Dangers in South Pass—West side—Les Errants—Statue— 

Buoy.—Les Errants, 0.6 mile westward of Pointe de Gavre, are two 
rocky ledges, the western of which is awash at low water; the eastern 
rock, always uncovered, has a statue of St. Peter on it 8 feet above 
high water. A black buoy with a cylindrical top mark lies 300 yards 
eastward of the statue and about 125 yards southward of a rock with 
14 fathoms on it, and marks the western side of the South Pass. 

East side—Bastresses Bocks—Buoys.—The Bastresses Rocks, 
on the eastern side of the South Pass, extend north and south 800 
yards and comprise two shoals, on each of which is a head awash at 
low water. Baril Rond, the northern head, lies 650 yards west by 
south of Pointe de Gavre. A red bell buoy is moored about 100 
yards westward of the southern extremity of the shoals, and a red 
spindle buoy with conical top mark is moored olf the west side of 
the northern shoal. 



174 


POINTE DE PENMARCpH-POINTE DU CROISIC. 


Clearing* mark.—The beacon tower on Grasu Rock in line with 
a gap in the houses of the village of Taint, bearing 294°, leads 
southward. 

A rocky ledge on which is a head 2 feet high extends southward 
from Pointe de Gavre, with outlying rocks drying 1 and 2 feet 400 
yards from the point. Between the point and the fort, 600 yards 
northward, the shore is fronted by a ledge of rocks extending 300 
Yards off. 

There is a narrow passage between the Bastresses Rocks and the 
ledges extending from Gavre Point, with a depth of 3 fathoms in 
mid-channel. 

Goeland Rock—Buoy.—West-northwestward of the fort just 
mentioned is Goeland Rock, which dries 4 feet, and farther in the 
same direction are two shallow patches, between which is moored a 
red spindle buoy with conical top mark, 550 yards northwestward of 
the fort. 

Outer anchorage.—There is anchorage off the West Pass, shel¬ 
tered from east to north, but open westward in 6 to 8 fathoms sand, 
southward of Truies Tower in line with Gavre Point, and westward 
of Ploemeur spire in line with the eastern side of the Anse de Stole. 
There is also anchorage, sheltered from north to east, southward of 
the Errants and Truies Bank. 

Channel to Lorient.—From the Trois Pierres the channel runs 
north-northeastward 3.5 miles to Lorient. It is bordered by shoal 
flats. 

Dangers — Western side — L’Ecrevisse — Buoy. —This rock, 
with 1 fathom water on it, lies 600 yards eastward of Larmor. A 
black spindle buoy, with cylindrical top mark, is moored south-south¬ 
eastward of the rock. 

Toulhar—Buoy—Beacon.—Toulhar Rock, with 1 foot of water 
on it at lowest tides, lies 400 yards south-southeastward of the point 
to the northeastward of Larmor. It is marked by a black spar buoy 
moored southward of it. About 100 yards northwest of the rock an 
iron beacon with two spherical topmarks painted white marks the 
southern end of the rocks extending from the point northeastward 
of Larmor. 

Jument Rocks—Tower.— Jument Rocks, westward of the citadel 
of Port Louis, are marked on their eastern side by a cylindrical re- 
inforced concrete tower with a cylindrical topmark 39 feet above 
high water. A 2f-fathorn patch lies 200 .yards southward of the 
tower. 

Buoy.—A black buoy marks a rock on the edge of the bank 250 
yards northward of the Jument. 

Cochon Rock Beacon. The Cochon, southward of Kernevel 
Fort, uncovers 8 feet and is marked by a black beacon. 


APPROACHES TO LORIENT. 175 

Les Soeurs—Beacon.— Les Sceurs, off la Peyriere Jetty, uncover 
8 feet and are marked by a black beacon. 

Eastern side—La Paix—Tower—Buoy.— La Paix Rock, 1,200 
yards southward of Port Louis Citadel, is marked by a red beacon 
tower with a conical topmark, 15 feet above high water, and a red 
spar buoy with a conical top mark on the edge of the bank 300 yards 
westward of it. 

La Potee de Beurre—Tower.— La Potee de Beurre, about 1 mile 
north-northwestward of La Paix Rock and abreast l’Ecrevisse, is 
marked by a red beacon tower with a conical top mark, 15 feet above 
high water. 

Citadel—Beacon—Buoys.— The rocks extending olf the citadel 
are marked bv a red beacon on the southern side, a small can buov 
on the western extremity, and a red conical buoy, marked “ Amiral,’’ 
with a conical top mark, on the northern side. 

Turc Bank—Buoys. —This bank, which extends southwestward 
from St. Michel Islet toward Kernevel, is marked on its southwestern 
and northern extremity by red buoys. The western part of the bank 
is to be dredged to 3J fathoms. 

Pengarne Rocks—Tower.— Nearly abreast La Peyriere are the 

Pengarne Rocks, marked by a red beacon tower. A black conical 

buov lies eastward of the rocks. 

•/ 

Channel eastward of St. Michel—Dangers—Western side— 
Aneno Rocks—Buoy.— The Aneno Rocks, southward of the mud 
flats extending from St. Michel Islet, are marked by a black conical 
buoy on their southern extremity. 

The bank extending southeastward, eastward, and northeastward 
of the northern end of St. Michel Islet is marked by three black coni¬ 
cal buoys. 

Eastern side—Kerso Bank—Buoys. —Kerso Bank, a mud and 
sand flat between Port Louis and St. Michel Islet, is marked by three 
red conical buoys. It dries at low water. 

Lights—Lorient—Rear light.— From the square church tower, 
115 feet in height, at Lorient is exhibited, 157 feet above high water, 
a fixed white light, visible 18 miles on the range line. (See Light 
List.) 

La Peyriere—Front light.— From a square turret over a house, 
26 feet in height, all painted white, situated nearly 1 mile 188° from 
Lorient Church Tower, is exhibited, at an elevation of 75 feet above 
high water, a fixed red light, visible 14 miles on the leading line. 
(See Light List.) 

Lorient Church Tower Light in line with La Peyriere Light, 
bearing 8°, leads through the South Pass. 

At the head of the bay eastward of Keroman Point, two range 
lio-hts are exhibited; the rear light, fixed red, is shown, at an eleva- 

to * 


176 


POINTE DE PEN MARC ? H—POINTE DU CROISIC. 


tion of 45 feet above high water, from a house 16 feet in height, with 
black quadrangular top mark. On the range line it is visible 9 miles. 

The front light, fixed green, elevated 10 feet above high water, is 
shown from a white iron hut on masonry base, 5 feet in height, with 
top mark similar to that of the rear light, situated 372 yards 173° 
from the rear light. On the range line it is visible 8 miles. These 
lights lead between Turc Bank and the shoal water on the western 
shore. 

On the western side of the harbor, opposite Port Louis Citadel, at 
Kernevel, 2 range lights are exhibited. The rear light, fixed red, 
elevated 30 feet above high water, is shown from a house, 20 feet in 
height, with a black diamond top mark, and is visible 9 miles on the 
range line. (See Light List.) 

The front light, fixed green, is shown at an elevation of 11 feet 
above high water from an iron hut, 5 feet in height on masonry, sur- 
monted by a quadrangular black top mark, situated 328 yards 36° 
from the rear light, and is visible 8 miles on the range line. (See 
Light List.) 

These lights in line, bearing 216°, lead through the channel from 
their intersection with Keroman leading lights to Penmane An- 
ehorage. 

Pange beacons.— Two range beacons, each surmounted by a tri¬ 
angle, have been erected on the northeastern shore, on the line of 
the Kernevel range lights. The front beacon is 52 feet high; the 
rear beacon is 728 yards 36° from tlie front beacon. 

Port Louis—Front light. —From a small white house, with black 
wall marks, 10 feet high, at the foot of the south bastion of Port 
Louis, is exhibited, 20 feet above high water, a fixed red light, visible 
9 miles on the range line. (See Light List.) 

In front of the lighthouse is a white stone beacon with black and 
white rectangular top mark, on the right side of a white wall screen, 
to indicate its position from a distance by day. 

Kerbel—Pear light.— From a round white turret 75 feet in 
height, situated 1,827 yards 60° from Port Louis south bastion light¬ 
house, is exhibited, at an elevation of 95 feet above high water, a 
fixed white light, visible 13 miles on the range line. (See Light 
List.) 

Port Louis and Kerbel Lights are the range lights for the West 
Pass. 

A fixed green light, 11 feet above high water and visible 3 miles, 
is exhibited from the northeast end of Port Louis Jetty. 

A fixed red light, visible 3 miles, is shown from the landing place 
at Lorient. 

Anchorages—Mooring buoys.— There is an anchorage in 10 to 
7 fathoms water between Port Louis Citadel and St. Michel Islet, 


LORIENT. 


177 


but care must be taken to avoid the mooring chains and shoals. Sev¬ 
eral mooring buoys have been laid down in this space. A patch of 3 
fathoms, with 8 and 11 fathoms around, lies 400 yards north-north¬ 
eastward of the northern point of the citadel. A good berth in about 
8 fathoms is with Lorient Harbor tower in line with the western side 
of St. Michel Islet, and the market house at Nezenel in line with the 
northwest end of Ste. Catherine wall bearing 39°. Small vessels may 
anchor nearer Port Louis mole in about If fathoms, but should avoid 
obstructing the approach to it. 

Five mooring buoys are placed northward* of Penmane Point; 
large vessels secure to them, but small vessels may anchor southward 
of them, or on the western side of the anchorage toward the black 
buoys, westward of the line of Kernevel lights. 

Prohibited anchorages.—No vessel is permitted to anchor in 
(he channel between the citadel of Port Louis and the north end of 
St. Michel Isle. 

Anchoring, dredging, or using dragnets at any time is forbidden 
in the harbor of Lorient between lines joining the mill of La Peyriere 
to Kerso Point, and Iveroman Point, through a buoy northward of 
Turc Bank, to Kerso Point; southward of Port Louis, between a line 
from Lomalo Battery to Green Battery, and the meridian of Souris 
Isle; the small harbor northward of Lomalo Pie** not being included. 
Off the coast outside, in the space within lines from Green Battery 
to Daniel Bocks, then to Gavre Point; and also, but only when 
notified by placards or notices, in that part of the harbor between 
lines on the south from Kerpape Point to the Errants, thence to 
Gavre Point; on the north from Kernevel Point to Port Louis Cita¬ 
del ; and westward of Souris Isle. 

The harbor of Larmor is not included in the prohibited area, and 
anchorage is permitted in the fairway northward of the line from 
la Paix to Loqueltas Fort. 

Any vessel whatever anchoring in the prohibited area will be 
obliged to buoy and slip her chain, and proceedings may be taken 
against the master. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, at 
Port Louis, at 3h. 24m.; ordinary springs rise 16£ feet, and neaps 
12J feet, above lowest water and the soundings on the chart; ordi- . 
nary springs range 14 feet, neaps 6f feet. It is high water at 
Lorient 8 minutes after Port Louis, and the rise of tide is the 
same. The flood stream begins when the water commences to rise, 
but if much fresh water is coming down it is not felt till an hour- 
later. It enters by West and South Passes, and the greater part 
sets between Port Louis Citadel and the Jument, while a branch 
fills the large inlet southeastward of Lomalo. The stream passing 


178 POINTE DE PENMARC^H-POINTE DU CROISIC. 

the citadel turns into the bay eastward of Port Louis, and then 
toward St. Michel Isle, which it passes on both sides. The greatest 
velocity of the flood stream is 2 knots, except in the narrows between 
Port Louis and the Jument, where it reaches knots. In the Pont 
Scorf River abreast Lorient the flood stream commences 20 minutes 
after low water and attains a velocity of 1 knot. 

The ebb stream commences directly after high water and sets 
strongly in the citadel and the Jument. When the rivers are 
swollen this stream begins from 20 to 30 minutes before high water. 
For two hours after high water the ebb stream sets through South 
Pass. It then turns westward and goes through West Pass. The 
velocity of the ebb is 2-J knots, except between Port Louis and the 
Jument, where it reaches 5 knots when much fresh water is coming 
down. Abreast Lorient, where there is much fresh water coming 
down the river, the ebb stream attains a velocitv of 2^ knots. At such 
times the flood at neaps is not felt. 

Off Loqueltas Point and in West Pass, during the first two hours 
of the ebb, the stream sets southwestward, but with little strength. 

It sometimes happens, especially in winter after heavy rain, that 
the stream constantly sets outward between the citadel and the 
Jument. The flood stream then runs in below the outgoing stream, 
taking the deep ptyts of the channel. These contrary streams must 
be guarded against by large vessels. Strong winds from seaward 
increase the velocity of the flood stream and decrease that of the ebb. 

Pilots are stationed at Port Louis and Lorient, and work with 
those of Groix Isle in piloting vessels in the Groix Channel. 

Directions. —It is not expedient to enter Port Lorient without a 
pilot. Black buoys must be left on the port hand and red on the 
starboard hand entering. 

Fairway reserved for traffic when submarine vessels are 
exercising. —When the flag with a yellow and a red horizontal 
stripe is hoisted at the signal stations or on the vessel escorting sub¬ 
marine vessels, to indicate that the latter are exercising submerged, 
all vessels wishing to enter or leave the port of Lorient are earnestly 
requested to make use of the fairway defined below, in which sub¬ 
marine vessels are prohibited from exercising submerged. 

This fairway is limited as follows: 

On the west by a line joining Pointe du Taint and Pen Men 
Lighthouse, He de Groix. 

On the south by tlie alignment 319° of Pen Men Lighthouse and 
Pointe St. Nicolas, until reaching the alignment of Lorient and La' 
Peyriere Lighthouses. 

On the east by a line joining the eastern extremity of the last- 
named limit and Pointe de Gavre. 


LORIENT. 


179 


West Pass.—Approaching b}^ the West Pass, steer midway be¬ 
tween the land and Groix Isle, and bring the lighthouse of Port 
Louis in line with that of Kerbel, bearing 60°. Keep this mark on 
until Lorient Church tower is open its own breadth westward of La 
Peyriere Lighthouse, which mark leads through Lorient Channel 
until past the red tower on the Potee de Beurre. Then bring the 
church tower and La Peyriere Lighthouse in line, which leads be¬ 
tween the citadel and Jument, where great care is required on ac¬ 
count of the tidal streams. Follow the channel until north of the 
citadel, which round with a marked house at Nezenel in line with a 
mark on the northwest end of St. Catherine wall. The house at 
Nezenel has a white gable with a vertical black stripe on it. Anchor 
with Lorient Harbor tower in line with the west end of St. Michel 
Islet. Or the route may be somewhat shortened by leaving the line 
of Port Louis and Kerbel Lighthouses when Penmane Point is just 
open westward of Port Louis Citadel, bearing 27°. This line leads 
100 yards eastward of the black buoy lying south-southeastward of 
Kaleri Beacon, and joins the leading mark, Lorient Church tower, 
and La Peyriere Lighthouse in line about 200 yards southward of 


Jument Kocks. 

At night.—Proceed through West Pass with Port Louis Light 
in line with Kerbel Light, bearing G0°, and having passed Trois 
Pierres Light, bring Lorient Light open westward of La Peyriere 
Light. Keep this mark on till Port Louis Light is obscured by the 
fortifications, then bring Lorient and La Peyriere Lights in line, 
which leads between the citadel and the Jument. Having passed the 
citadel, steer a little to the northeastward and anchor in 8 fathoms, 
but local knowledge is required to keep clear of the shoals and buoys. 

South Pass.—This pass is narrow and should not be attempted 
without a pilot. The least depth in the fairway at lowest water is 
2;[ fathoms. The leading mark through is Lorient Lighthouse open 
its own width eastward of La Peyriere Lighthouse until Trois Pierres 
Lighthouse bears 254°; then, keeping a little to port, bring Lorient 
Church Tower open its own width westward of La Peyriere Light¬ 


house and as above directed. 

At night Lorient Light in line with La Peyriere Light bearing 8° 
leads through the pass until Trois Pierres Light bears 254°, when 
bring Lorient Light open westward of La Peyriere Light and pro¬ 
ceed as directed for West Pass. 

Port Louis to Lorient.—Keep Lorient Church tower and La 
Peyriere Lighthouse in line until the two leading lighthouses at 
Iveroman are in line bearing 353°, which leads between the Turc 
Bank and the shoals off Kernevel. When the lighthouses at Ker- 
nevel come in line, bearing 216°, keep them so astern, or the leading 


180 


POINTE DE PENMARC'lI-POINTS DU CROISIC. 


beacons in line ahead, which leads to the anchorage of Penmane. 
The channel from Kernevel to the military port is also marked by 
two lines of buoys, black on the port hand and red with a white hori¬ 
zontal band on the starboard hand, entering. The least depth passed 
over from Port Louis to the anchorage, as above directed, is 3 fathoms 
at lowest water. 

At night the directions are the same as by day, making use ot the 
lights in the lighthouses mentioned. 

Lomalo village is situated in the southeastern part of the penin¬ 
sula on which is the town of Port Louis. Its harbor is frequented 
by pilots and by boats from Groix. A jetty 230 feet in length has 
been built to shelter the grounding place. At the end of the jetty 
a quay projects northeastward for 44 yards. 

Gavre Channel. —On the northern side of the Gavre Channel, 
leading from the Lorient Channel to Lomalo, besides the Paix Pock 
and the Potee de Beurre, already mentioned, are les Sceurs and 
Cabon Rocks, dry at low water; Souris Isle, with reefs extending 
200 yards southwest and southeast from it; a black beacon at the 
end of a jetty projecting southward from Port Louis, with 1 foot 
of water at the extremity at low tide; about 250 yards farther east¬ 
ward a black beacon tower, and at about 50 and 100 yards north- 
northeastward of the tower two rocks which dry 6 and 10 feet, re¬ 
spectively. 

Beacon. —A red masonry beacon, in the shape of a truncated cone, 
surmounted by a cone, the top of which is 23 feet above the rock 
and 16 feet above high water, is erected on Cabon Rock. 

On the southern side of the channel are La Pesqueresse red beacon, 
marking the western extremitv of the rocks off the northern end of 
Gavre Peninsula; a red and black beacon tower (about mid-chan¬ 
nel) 250 yards north-northeastward of La Pesqueresse Beacon, with 
a rock awash at low water 75 yards southeastward of it; a red 
beacon about 400 yards farther eastward; a red beacon marking the 
end of a pier extending northeastward from the northern point of 
Gavre Peninsula; and a red tower 200 yards farther eastward. 

In mid-channel, just over 200 yards east-southeastward of La 
Paix Beacon, are some sunken rocks, one of which has 1 foot over it 
at lowest water. 

In the channel leading to Lomalo the streams attain a velocity of 
4 knots at springs. 

Mooring buoy. —Between the pier extending southward from 
Port Louis and that of Gavre is a mooring buoy for gunboats, which 
keep up communication between Lorient and Gavre. 

Small vessels proceeding from Lorient to Lomalo cross the reef 
(dry at low water) northeastward of the beacon tower of La Potee 


LORIENT. 


181 


de Beurre, with a large house on the northern end of Gavre Penin¬ 
sula, in line with the high-water mark southern side of Souris Isle 
bearing 115°, passing northward of Souris Isle and along the south 
side of Port Louis. 

Port Louis is a fortified town, with a population of about 3,000. 
At the northern angle of the fortifications a mole 423 feet in length 
has been constructed to the northeastward. From this mole another 
branches off 308 feet in a northwesterly direction and has a pontoon 
nt its end, which serves as a landing place for the steamers which 
run between Port Louis and Lorient. A red-and-white beacon 
marks its end. 

Lorient, a seaport and naval arsenal, is commodious and bordered 
bv fine quays, on which are large buildings connected with the dock¬ 
yard. The town, modern and regularly built, is situated on the 
right bank of the Riviere Pont Scorf, a small stream, which unites 
I mile below the town with the Riviere Blavet, both falling into the 
northern part of the harbor. The Pont Socrf is crossed by a rail¬ 
way bridge 1 mile above the entrance. At Pre aux Vases are large 
steam sawmills, boat-building sheds, and at Caudan, on the left 
bank, are slips and workshops for shipbuilding in iron and steel. 
There are also private factories of machinery. Lorient was named 
from being founded in 1670 by the French East India Co. (Com- 
pagnie de l’Orient), which made it its naval depot, and in 1770 
it became one of the stations of the French Navy and a commercial 
} ort. 

There are the usual customs and quarantine regulations, and no 
diseases requiring special precautions. Sailors can be admitted to a 
civil hospital. There is no sailors’ home. 

The population was 48,845 in 1912. The mean temperature for the 
year is 53° F.; for January, 42°; for July, 65°. 

Communication.— There are railroad and telegraph stations, and 
there is steamship communication with Bordeaux, Bayonne, Havre, 
Dunkirk, and Belgium. The telegraph office at Lorient is open until 
midnight. 

Radiotelegraph. —There is a radio station at Lorient open to the 
public from* 7 a. m. to 10 p. m.; call letters F F L. 

Supplies can be obtained; fresh water is very good. 

C oa p—There are generally about 1,000 tons of coal in stock, 
privately owned, in addition to that belonging to the Government. 
Steamers drawing up to 15 feet can be coaled in the wet dock, and 
above that draft in the harbor. There is a coal wharf 1,600 feet long 
with a depth of 16 feet alongside at low water. 

Trade.— The imports consist almost entirely of coal, and the ex¬ 
ports of pit props. 


182 


POINTH DE PEITMARC'H—POINTE DU CKOISIC. 


Life saving 1 .—There is no lifeboat between Talut Point and 
Gavre Point, but line-throwing guns are established at Loumener 
and at Gavre. 

Commercial port.—On the southern side of the town is a narrow 
creek, dry at l(*w water, leading to the commercial tidal port, which 
is 230 feet wide, with quays on either side, and inside which is the 
wet dock. Vessels drawing 9 to 10 feet are able to enter the com¬ 
mercial port at neaps. The landing place for steam vessels plying 
between Lorient and Port Louis is at the end of the pier, projecting 
about 650 yards southeastward from the south quay. 

Basin.—The commercial basin or wet dock, lying northwest and 
southeast, is entered from the commercial port, and is used by 
steamers carrying from 800 to 1,200 tons. At the inner end of the 
basin is a slip. The gates are opened at 1 hour before and closed 
-J hour after high water. (For details, see Appendix II.) 

Docks.—There are two Government dry docks at Lorient. (See 
Appendix II.) 

Bepairs.—Vessels can be repaired in the wet dock and at the 
Government dockyard. At the dockyard there is a hydraulic crane 
capable of lifting 120 tons. 

New quay.—A quay for merchant vessels is to be constructed in 
the neighborhood of La Pevriere. It will be 110 yards long in the 
direction of the entrance to the commercial port. 

Time signal.—At a mast on the summit of the harbor tower at 
Lorient, a black ball, hoisted close up five minutes before the signal, 
is dropped at lOh. a. m., or 22h. Greenwich mean time. The signal 
is repeated at 22h. 2m. Greenwich mean time. The ball is elevated 


215 feet above the sea and 144 feet above the ground, and has a drop 
of about 20 feet. 

Position.—The harbor tower is in latitude 47° 44' 41" N., longi¬ 
tude 3° 21' 15" W. 

Elavet Biver is the eastern of the two streams which flow into 
the northeastern end of Lorient Harbor. The river is navigable as 

o 

far as Hennebont and is beaconed. Above Hennebont the Canal du 
Blavet is established in the bed of the river and communicates with 
the Brest-Nantes Canal at Pontivy. The canal has a depth of 5 feet, 
with a hight of about 10 feet below the bridges; the locks are 87 feet 
in length by 15 feet in width. The Blavet is to be dredged between 
the entrance and Hennebont to a depth of 14^ feet at high water 
neaps. Steamers of 1,200 and even 1,500 tons can proceed to within 
about 1,200 yards of Hennebont, where there is a railway bridge, and 
vessels of 700 and 800 tons can reach the quay provided their masts 


are not too high. 

The coast from Gavre Point, where artillery practice is fre¬ 
quently carried out, curves eastward and southward for about 14 


RIVIERE D^ETEL. 


183 


miles to Fort Penthievre, the northern extremity of the Presqu’ile de 
Quiberon. The land between is generally low, with downs, and the 
coast a sandy beach; as in places rocks lie a considerable distance off, 
it should be approached with caution. 

Landmarks.—The principal landmarks hereabouts are: Plou- 
hinec Church, a large building surmounted by a slender spire; Etel 
Church, large and covered with slates, with no tower or steeple; 
Ardevenne Spire, which rises in the middle of the market town; 
Plouharnel Church, a high tower with a conical roof, surrounded by 
houses, on low-lying land; Carnac Spire, and near it on the top of a 
hillock, St. Michel’s Chapel, a small white house, which may be seen 
from a distance; and Penthievre Fort, on a steep cliff and conspicu¬ 
ous, as the isthmus which ends at its foot is very low. 

Dangers—Le Gavre Rocks.—About f mile south-southeastward 
of Gavre Point are Le Gavre Rocks, a patch with 2} fathoms least 
water, and steep-to; and nearly 1 mile east-southeastward of the point 
is a patch having 2J fathoms over it at lowest water, with Daniel 
Rocks, a reef which dries 7 feet, northward of it. 

Clearing mark.—The beacon tower on Grasu Rock, in line with 
a gap in the houses of Taint village bearing 294°, leads southwest- 
ward of the dangers off Pointe de Gavre, and also between the Truies 
Bank and Les Truies Rocks. 

Roches de Magoero.—About 4.2 miles 110° from Gavre Point 
and a long half mile from the shore are the Magoero Rocks, some of 
which are 3 feet high and others dry with the ebb tide. 

Riviere d’Etel.—Two miles southeastward of the Magoero Rocks 
is the Riviere d’Etel, a small stream, which drains a large marshy 
country. Etel Village, about 1 mile inland on its left bank, has a 
certain trade in connection with the sardine fishery. When the bar 
is practicable the port is accessible after half flood to vessels drawing 
from 6 to 13 feet, according to the height of the tide. Provisions 
and fresh water sufficient for a small vessel may be obtained, but no 
coal. Small wooden vessels are built here. There are post and 
telegraph offices. 

Etel River Light.—A fixed red light is exhibited from a white 
iron turret 33 feet high on the western side of the Etel River. 

Roheu Rocks—Tower.—About 1.2 miles westward of the en¬ 
trance are the Roheu Rocks. The northern head is 2 feet high and 
the southern rock is marked by a black beacon tower, with a cylin¬ 
drical topmark, 16 feet above high water. There are shoals for 800 
yards northward and 600 yards southward of the tower. 

Leno Rock, situated 1.7 miles 220° from Etel Lighthouse, is a 
small patch with 14 fathoms on it. There is deep water close to this 
rock, but the soundings are sparse in the vicinity. 

21235°—17-13 


i 



184 


POINTE DE PENMARC'H—POINTE DU CROJSIC. 


Bar.—The entrance of the river is obstructed by a sand bank on 
which the depths are variable; it.sometimes dries 8 feet at low water 
and is displaced by winds from seaward. It breaks with on-shore 
winds, especially during the ebb stream, when it is impassable. 

Anchorage.—There is anchorage outside the bar in about 4 
fathoms, sand, with Gavre Point open northward of Roheu Beacon 
tower and Etel Church and Lighthouse in line. 

Coasters and fishing vessels anchor off the village in from 3 to 4 
fathoms water or lie alongside the quay. 

Tidal streams.—The streams attain a velocity of 4 knots during 
the flood and 5 knots during the ebb in the river, abreast the light¬ 
house. During the winter freshets the ebb stream is much stronger 
and is not reversed, which renders the entrance very difficult. 

Directions.—Approaching the anchorage outside the bar from 
the northwest vessels may pass between Roheu Rocks and Leno Rock 
by keeping Larmor steeple in line with the chapel of Le Gavre until 
Etel Church is in line with the lighthouse, when steer for the 
anchorage. 

Local knowledge is necessary to enter the river. Special signals 
are made from a pilot mast on the west bank near the lighthouse. 
The best time to cross the bar is from 1 to 1^ hours before high water, 
as the flood stream, having then a fair velocity, renders the bar less 
breaking. Having passed at a distance of 100 yards southward of the 
black tower on Pen Men Rock, which is southward of the lighthouse, 
keep along the western bank of the river until clear of the middle 
bank midway between the entrance and the village; then keep the 
middle of the river and anchor off Etel. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed at Etel, also line-throwing 
guns at the customhouse and lighthouse. 

Pointe d’Ardevenne—Beacons.—Pointe d’Ardevenne, 1.2 miles 
southward of the entrance to the Riviere d’Etel, is bordered by a 
rocky ledge, through the southern part of which is a cutting. Two 
beacons, the outer one red with a conical topmark, have been placed 
on the sand southward of the point, and when in line bearing lead 
to the beach through the cutting. 

Poul-haut Pock, 10 feet high, lies 0.6 mile w&st-southwestward 
of Pointe d’Ardevenne and is detached from the rocks off that point. 
A rock which dries 5 feet at lowest water lies about 250 yards west¬ 
ward of Poul-haut Rock. 

Pohellan Pock, which is always uncovered, lies nearly 1 mile 
southward from Pointe d’Ardevenne. Northeastward of Rohellan 
and halfway between it and the shore is Treouric Rock, about 3 feet 
high. A rock which uncovers lies 600 yards southeastward of Ro¬ 
hellan. 


i 


LES PIERRES NOIRES. 


185 


Annoerezet, a large rock, which dries 1G feet, lies about § mile 
southeastward of Rohellan. A small rock with 1J fathoms on it lies 
i mile southwest of Annoerezet. 

Les Pierres Noires—Tower.—About 2 miles soutliwestward of 
Pointe d’Ardevenne is a cluster of rocks, dry at low water, named 
Les Pierres Noires or Chiviguete Rocks, the largest of which is 
marked bv a beacon tower in the form of a truncated cone without 
topmark, painted in black and white horizontal bands, 11 feet above 
high water. About 300 yards north-northeastward is a rock which 
di •ies 1 foot, and 4 mile eastward is a rocky bank, 4 mile long north¬ 
ward and southward, with depths of from If to 4 fathoms on it. 
About 1,200 yards northwestward of the tower is a rocky patch of 3^ 
fathoms, and J mile northward, another of 4J fathoms. 

Shoal water extends 400 yards west-soutliwestward and south- 
southeastward of the tower. 

The soundings around these banks are 5^ to 11 fathoms, sand and 
rock. 

Clearing marks.—The southern part of Fort Pentliievre in line 
with or open southward of lie Teviec leads south westward of the 
Pierres Noires; Portivi Mill in line with the center of the saddle of 
He Teviec, leads northeastward; Etel Church, in line with the west¬ 
ern part of Rohellan, leads eastward; and Ardevenne Spire, open 
westward of Rohellan, the width of the rock, leads about 200 yards 
northwestward of the shoal water westward of the tower. 

lie Teviec, nearly 1.5 miles northwestward of Fort Pentliievre, is - 
surrounded by numerous rocks, which extend 3 miles northward of 
Beg en Aud and Portivi and 2 miles from the mainland to the east¬ 
ward. 

Dangers.—The following are the principal dangers: 

Men Toul Rock, always uncovered, is situated 800 yards north- 
northwestward of Teviec Isle. 

Basse de Men Toul, with 1 foot on it at lowest water, lies at the 
northern end of a rocky bank extending north-northwestward from 
Men Toul Rock. 

Guernic Islet, jdose southward of Teviec, is always uncovered, 
with Basse Ledan, also above water, at about \ mile west-south- 
westward of it. Roh Goulien is nearly 4 mile south-southeastward 
of Guernic and a shoal of 3 feet midway between them. 

An Auter, drying T feet, lies 800 yards southward of Basse 
Ledan. 

Men Melein, which dries 10 feet, lies GOO yards southeastward of 
An Auter. 

Clearing marks.—The white wall of Kerne just open westward 
of La Truie Rock, leads westward of the dangers westward of Teviec 
Isle, but over Guillo Rock. 


186 POINTE DE PENMAEC *H-POINTE DU CROISIC. 

Etel Church, in line with tlie western part of Pohellan, leads west¬ 
ward of these dangers. 

Guillo Rock, with 2\ fathoms over it at lowest water, lies 1 mile 
290° of Beg en Aud, with An Auter bearing 0°, distant 0.7 mile. 

Clearing marks.—The white light of Port Maria in sight, bear¬ 
ing eastward of 142°, leads westward of all these dangers, including 
Les Pierres Noires. 

Plouharnel Church, open southward of Guernic Islet bearing 37°, 
leads northward of Guillo Pock. 

Presqu’ile de Quiberon.—Quiberon Peninsula, 5 miles long 
north and south and about 1.2 miles wide, is high and the western 
coast is bold and cliffy and bordered by rocks, but off its southern 
end are numerous dangers, many of which are covered at low water. 

Landmarks.—The white wall of Kerne, about 4 mile northward 
of Beg el Lan; the guardhouse, also white, on Beg el Lan; and the 
semaphore of Ivernescop, a yellow house surmounted by a watch 
tower visible from all directions, are remarkable. 

Semaphore.—There is a semaphore on Kernescop Hill, 1.5 miles 
northward of Port Maria. The mast is black, 140 feet above high 
water. 

Portivi Bay, in the northern part of Quiberon Peninsula, is only 
frequented by fishing boats, which take the ground eastward of a 
little jetty; a mooring buoy is placed off the jetty. The approach is 
marked by two black beacons, the outer on GuediG Pock, the inner 
on a rock 800 yards 130° from the outer. 

Tidal streams.—Along the shore from Gavre Point to Pohellan 
Pock, the first of the flood sets northward; at half flood it sets east¬ 
ward with a velocity of 1 knot; at high water, south-southeastward 4 
knot; at half ebb, west-southwestward 14 knots; and at low water, 
north-northwestward 4 knot. From Pohellan to Beg el Lan, the 
streams are scarcely felt. 

In the offing at more than 2 miles from the coast the stream 
at low water sets north-northwestward with a velocity of 1 knot; 
at half flood, north-northeastward 1 knot; at high water it sets 
south-southeastward 4 knot; and at half ebb, about west, from 14 to 
2 knots. The streams do not extend far from the land, and are influ¬ 
enced by the winds. If there are strong easterly or southeasterly 
winds the flood stream is not felt, while the ebb attains a velocity of 
24 knots. 

Port Maria—Depth.—Port Maria, in the western part of the 
bay between Beg el Lan and Beg er Yil, at the southern part of 
Quiberon Peninsula, is a small, well-sheltered harbor, in which there 
is a depth of 4 to 5 feet at lowest water. It is frequented by fish¬ 
ing boats and by the steamers which make the service to Belle lie. 
Southwesterly and southerly winds cause some surf, but breakwaters 


PORT MARIA. 


187 


have been built to render it practicable in almost all weathers. 
Besides the old mole in the northern part of the port, another, about 
—00 yards southwest of it, extends 492 feet southeastward from the 
shore; and outside it a detached breakwater has been constructed, 
590 feet in length in an easterly and westerly direction. The space 
between the southwestern mole and the western end of the detached 
breakwater is 130 feet wide, and forms the southern entrance to the 
port, but blocks of masonry about 34 feet above lowest water extend 
30 feet from the west end of the detached breakwater; the northern 
entrance is only used by boats. The least depth to be passed over 
in entering the port is 4 feet at lowest water. Fresh water can be 
obtained in small quantity. There is railway communication from 
Quiberon or Loc Maria; about 4 mile from the port, via Auray. 

Dangers—Western side of approach.—A ledge of rocks, heads 
of which dry from 5 to 16 feet at low water, extends about 600 yards 
south-southwestward from Beg el Lan. 

Tower.—About 100 yards southwestward of the light at the end 
of the mole, on the southeastern extremity of the ledge of rocks on 
which the mole is built, is a black beacon tower with cylindrical top 
mark 13 feet above high water. 

Eastern side.—Basse an Treac’h, situated 0.6 mile 135° from 
Beg el Lan, has 1 fathom over it at low water. 

Clearing mark.—The beacon tower on Le Four in line with the 
lighthouse on La Teignouse Bock leads southward of this shoal and 
of the ledge of rocks off Beg el Lan. 

Basse Catic—Tower.—This rock, situated 400 yards southeast¬ 
ward of Beg el Lan and the same distance southward of the Mole 
Lighthouse, dries 1 foot and is marked by a red octagonal masonry 
tower with conical top mark 35 feet high, the top of which is 17 feet 
above high water. 

Clearing mark.—The guardhouse on Beg el Lan. marked by a 
black and white disk, in line with the white wall 4 mile northward, 
bearing 327°, leads southwestward of the rock. 

Deux Freres—Beacon.—The Deux Freres Bock, nearly 300 yards 
northeastward of Catic Beacon Tower, dries 6 feet, and is marked 
by a red and black beacon, with spherical top mark, 8 feet above high 
water. 

In the northeast part of the bay is a rock that dries 2 feet, and a 
short distance northeast of it another rock 2 feet high. 

Tower.—A red beacon tower with conical top mark, 13 feet above 
high water, near the western end of the detached breakwater, marks 
the southern end of the reef on which the latter is built. 

Lights.—On the end of the southwestern mole, from a white 
tower. 15 feet in height, is exhibited 20 feet above high water a fixed 
white li.o’ht. visible 10 mdes. 


188 


POINTE DE PENMARCpH—POINTE DU CROISIC. 


About 585 yards 13° from the preceding light, from a white cylin¬ 
drical tower, 75 feet in height, is exhibited, at an elevation of 02 feet 
above high water, a fixed white, red, and green light. The white 
light is visible 15 miles, the red 14 miles, and the green 13 miles. 

Fog signal.—A bell on the southwestern mole is sounded during 


fog. 


Anchorage.—There is anchorage in the bay between Deux Freres 
and the rock northeastward of it in about 3 fathoms, with Quiberon 
(Loc Maria) Church steeple bearing 4° and the guardhouse on Beg 
el Lan 272°. 

Prohibited anchorage.—Three beacons painted in blue and white 
horizontal bands have been established on the eastern shore of this 
bay, inclosing an area within which anchorage is prohibited. 

The front beacon, situated about 700 yards north-northeastward of 
Beg er Vil Point, has a white circular top mark; the eastern rear 
beacon has a white triangular top mark: and the western rear beacon 
a white rectangular top mark. 

It is forbidden to anchor within the area inclosed by the alignments 
of the above beacons, viz, between 0° and 42°. 

Directions.—Loc Maria Church, bearing 27°, seen between the red 
and black towers at the entrance and in line with the western end of 
the detached breakwater, leads in. Pass the black tower southward 
of the Mole Lighthouse at 50 yards distance on the port hand and 
keep in the middle of the entrance. 

At night the lights of Port Maria in line bearing 13° lead to the 
entrance, passing close eastward of the black beacon tower before 
mentioned. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed at Port Maria; also a line¬ 
throwing gun. 

The coast from Port Maria trends southeastward nearly 2 miles 
to Pointe de Conguel, the southeastern extremity of the Quiberon 
Peninsula. About 1,600 yards inland from the point, which is low 
and bare, is a remarkable druidical stone, known as the Pierre de 
Conguel. 

CD 

Off -lying bank.—A rocky bank, about 300 yards in extent and 
on which a depth of 6J fathoms has been found, but there is probably 
less water, lies 5.8 miles 148° from Pointe des Chats, He de Groix. 
From the bank the spire of St. Tudy Church is in line with the red 
beacon tower at the eastern side of the entrance to Port Maria, lie de 
Groix. The light on Pointe de la Croix shows white over the bank, 
the red sector of that light passing about 600 yards westward of it. 
The sea breaks on this bank in bad weather. 

Plateau des Birvideaux.—This rocky bank, about 5.5 miles 
west-northwestward of Beg el Lan, is about 2 miles long easterly and 
westerly, with general depths over it of 5^ to 10 fathoms, but near the 


BELLE ILE. 189 

western end of the bank are shoal patches with lj- to 4f fathoms on 
them. 

Wrecks.—The following wrecks, sunk in the vicinity of the 
Plateau de Birvideaux, are dangerous to vessels: 

A wreck with three masts emerging 16 feet at low water, 3.5 miles 
65° from Birvideaux Plateau. 

A wreck with one mast emerging 3 feet at low water, 3 miles 355° 
from Birvideaux Plateau. 

Buoys.—A spindle buoy, painted red and white in horizontal 
bands and surmounted by 2 cones with their points together, is 
moored a short distance northward of the shoal part of the Birvi¬ 
deaux Plateau, and a spindle buoy, painted black and white in hori¬ 
zontal bands, and surmounted by a diamond, is moored southward 
of it. 

Beacon.—A beacon tower is being constructed on the Birvideaux 
Plateau, and 4 white biconical mooring buoys, for the use of lighters 
employed on the works, have been placed north, south, east, and 
west, each about 60 yards from its position. These buoys may 
possibly be withdrawn from about beginning of December till about 
beginning of May. 

Clearing marks.—In heavy weather the sea breaks on the Bir- 
videaux Bank, and it should not be approached within the follow¬ 
ing limits: On the north the chapel of St. Michel, just open south¬ 
ward of Guernic, bearing 60°; on the east Borderun Hill, in line 
with the Poulains Lighthouse, bearing 172°; on the south Fort Pen- 
thievre, in line with Beg en Aud, bearing 51°; and on the west 
Goulphar Lighthouse open west of Borderun Hill, bearing 162°. 
The Birvideaux is covered by a sector of green light, shown from the 
rear lighthouse of Port Maria, Quiberon. 

Belle lie, 9.2 miles long northwest and southeast, and 5 miles 
wide at its broadest part near the center, affords shelter during w r est 
and southwest winds. It is generally high, steep, and well culti¬ 
vated, and there are numerous fortifications on it. 

The population of the island is about 10,000, and the inhabitants 
are engaged in agriculture and the fisheries, in the preservation of 
Sardines, anchovies, etc. 

Landmarks.—The following are good landmarks: 

At the northwestern point of the isle. Poulains Lighthouse; south¬ 
ward of it, the semaphore of Er Hastellic and Borderun Hill; in 
the southwestern part, Goulphar Lighthouse, and Pointe du Taint 
semaphore, about a mile southward of it; Bangor steeple, 1.7 miles 
eastward of Goulphar Light. 

In the southeastern part of the isle, Bourich mill and Arzic sema¬ 
phore: at the eastern end of the isle, Kerdonis Lighthouse and fort. 


190 


POINTE DE PENMARC H-POINTE DU CROISIC. 


On the northern side, from the westward, the entrance to Port 
Sauzon, Trochu tower, the semaphore and point of Taillefer, Le 
Palais Citadel, and Samsun village. 

The island may generally be approached to the distance of about 
1 mile, except at its northwestern part, where shoals extend 1 mile 
off Pointe des Poulains. 

Northeastern coast—Pointe des Poulains.—This point, the 
northwestern extremity of the isle, is surrounded by rocks, and a 
rocky plateau, named Les Poulains, extends 1 mile westward from 
it. The principal rocks are: Poulains Isle; Le Cochon, an isolated 
rock which dries 14 feet J mile northeastward of the point; Les 
Chambres, also drying 14 feet, 600 yards northward of the point; 
the Grand Flahran, with 1J fathoms on it; Leoneguet Rock, which 
dries 4 feet; and a rock with 1 fathom on it 600 yards farther 
westward. 

Buoy.—Basse Occidental des Poulains, with 5£ fathoms, the 
westernmost danger, is marked by a red spindle buoy with a conical 
top mark on its western side, situated a little more than 1 mile 52° 
from Poulains Lighthouse. 

Clearing marks.—He Bagueneres, open eastward of Er Hastellie 
Islet, bearing 165°, leads westward of the dangers off Pointe des 
Poulains; and Gareau Beacon tower, a little within Pointe de Kereso, 
leads close northeastward. At night, to pass northward of the Pou¬ 
lains, keep in the western white sector of Port Maria (Quiberon) 
Light. 

Light on the lie des Poulains, an islet close of Poulains Point, 
from a square white tower, 47 feet in height, with an attached build¬ 
ing, is exhibited, at an elevation of 111 feet above high water, a 
hashing white light. See Light List. 

Telegraph beacons.—On the shore westward of Sauzon, at a 
distance of about 1.2 miles southeast of the lighthouse on lie des 
Poulains, 2 beacons, painted in blue and white horizontal bands, 
with white circular top mark, have been erected 120 yards apart. 
When in line, bearing 220°, they mark the landing place and line of 
a telegraph cable. 

Port de Sauzon, southward of Pointe du Cardinal, on the north 
side of Bell He, is situated at the mouth of a stream, which termi¬ 
nates between high cliffs at the head of an inlet, about f- mile deep 
and 150 yards wide. The port dries at low water. Two jetties have 
been constructed, leaving a passage 80 feet wide between them, and 
there is a quay on the western side of the port sheltered by the 
western jetty. The best berth for grounding is alongside the eastern 
jetty. 

A white mooring buoy lies in the bay northeastward of the en¬ 
trance to the port. 


BELLE ILE. 


191 


Dangers—Towers.—Western side of entrance: 

Basse Badec, midway between Poulains Point and Port de 
Sauzon, and 600 yards offshore, lias a depth of 5 fathoms on it, and 
is only dangerous to a small ship in a westerly swell. 

Gareau Bock, off Pointe du Cardinal, is marked by a red beacon 
tower with conical top mark, 13 feet above high water. A similar 
beacon tower marks a rock lying about 600 yards southward of the 
Gareau. 

Eastern side: A black beacon tower with cylindrical top mark, 15 
feet above high water, marks the rocks off the eastern entrance point 
of the port. 

Light .—From a round white tower, 27 feet in height, on the end 
of the western jetty, a fixed white light, visible 5 miles, is exhibited 
30 feet above the sea. (See Light List.) 

Directions.—In entering Port de Sauzon, the Calvary, a cross 
above a building on a hill at the head of the port, seen between the 
ends of the jetties, leads in the fairway and passes the tow T ers at a 
distance of about 60 feet. 

Anchorage.—There is anchorage off the entrance of the port in 
about 3| fathoms, sand, on the leading mark just mentioned, with 
Pointe de Taillefer open northward of Pointe de Kereso. 

A relief station for shipwrecked people is established at Port de 
Sauzon. 

Port Jean, a creek 1.2 miles eastward of Port de Sauzon, affords 
only bad shelter, and the surf is almost constant. It is very little 
frequented. 

Telegraph beacons.—Three beacons, painted in blue and white 
horizontal bands with white circular top mark, have been erected on 
the western side of Port Jean to mark the landing places of two 
telegraph cables. The western front beacon is 220 yards from the 
rear beacon and the two in line, bearing 176°, mark the line of the 
western cable. The eastern front heacon is 130 yards from the rear 
beacon and the tw r o in line, bearing 213°, mark the line of the eastern 
cable. 

Port Quignenec, § mile farther eastward, is but little better than 
Port Jean. Fishing boats enter it, keeping Trochu Tower in line 
with, the cutting in the w^all of the fortifications. 

A relief station for shipwrecked people is established at Port de 
Taillefer about J mile eastward of Port Quignenec and 1 mile north¬ 
ward of Palais. It is elevated 155 feet above high water. The house 
is yellow and the mast black. Bo'cks extend about 200 yards from 
the point. 

Shoal water extends off the coast of Belle He betw een Pointe de 
Taillefer and Kerdonis for a distance in places of about 1 mile. 


192 POINTE DE PENMARC'H—POINTE DU CROISIC. 

Le Palais.—The port of Palais, the best and most important in 
Belle Isle, comprises an outer port and a wet dock. The citadel is 
situated on the northern side of the port. The population of the 
town is about 2,000. 

Anchorage.—Large vessels anchor in the Bade de Palais, east¬ 
ward of the town, in from 9 to 10 fathoms, mud and sand, with Port 
Salio mill in line with the reservoir of Port Larron, and Poulains 
Point just shutting in with Taillefer Point. This position is about 
1 mile offshore, well sheltered from westerly and southerly winds; 
but with strong northerly or southeasterly winds the sea is very 
heavy when the stream opposes the wind. 

At night this anchorage is reached by keeping the glare of Goul- 
phar Light open south of Palais Lights till Poulains Light is in line 
with Taillefer Point. Small vessels anchor closer in. 

Danger.—Basse du Palais, lying \ mile southward of the 
anchorage for large vessels and 1.5 miles 89° from the citadel of Le 
Palais, is a rocky patch of 44 fathoms, dangerous only to vessels of 
deep draft. 

Clearing mark.—Moulin de Kerezo, in line with the beach east¬ 
ward of the village of Samsun, leads westward of Basse du Palais. 

Lights.—On the northern jetty end, from a round, white turret, 
27 feet in height, is exhibited 36 feet above high water, a fixed green 
light visible 3 miles. It is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

On the southern jetty end, from a similar turret, is exhibited, 36 
feet above high water, a fixed white light visible 9 miles. (See 
Light List.) 

Outer port—Depths.—The outer port, bordered by masonry 
quays, is sheltered by two jetties with a passage 164 feet wide between 
them. The northern part of this port has a depth of 11 feet at low 
water, and small vessels anchor in the middle and secure the stern 
by hawsers to the north jetty at about 15 feet from it. Within the 
southern jetty there is a depth of 10 feet at lowest water for a length 
of nearly 200 feet from its end. Farther inward the depths are from 
3 to 5 feet. The northern jetty head is painted red, and the southern 
black. A tide gauge, visible from seaward, is painted on the end of 
the northern jetty and gives the height of the water above lowest 
water in the deep part of the port. In the northwestern angle of the 
port is a landing place reserved for the steamers which run to Port 
Maria and Auray. 

Wet dock.—The wet dock is divided into two parts. The eastern 
basin communicates with the outer port by a gate. This basin is 
bordered by vertical quays and is able to receive vessels drawing 14 
feet at high water springs when not encumbered with mud. The gate 
is opened at high water in the day and remains open 1 hour. A 
gauge at the entrance gate shows the depth of water in the basin. 


BELLE ILE. 


193 


The inner basin communicates with the preceding by a channel 26 
feet in width, upon which is the swing bridge from the hospital. It is 
used only by lighters and dismantled fishing boats. Some small craft 
are built here. \ (For details of these basins see Appendix II.) 

Supplies. —Provisions and water can be obtained. Vauban Reser¬ 
voir at Port Larron, about 1 mile southeastward, contains 900 tons 
of water. The key is at the office of the Port of Palais. 

A supply of about 150 tons of coal is kept ft>r the local steamers. 

There are practiced divers and a diving plant at Palais. 

Le Palais approach—Fairway reserved for traffic when sub¬ 
marine vessels are exercising. —When the flag with a yellow and 
a red horizontal stripe is hoisted at the signal stations or on the vessel 
escorting submarine vessels, to indicate that the latter are exercising 
submerged, all vessels wishing to enter or leave the Port du Palais 
are earnestly requested to make use of the fairway, defined below, in 
which submarine vessels are prohibited from exercising submerged. 

This fairway is comprised within a sector of a circle having the 
fixed green light at the entrance to Port du Palais as center and for 
limits the tangents drawn from that point to the coast at Pointe de 
Taillefer 350° and to the coast at Kerdonis 118°. 

Submarine vessels are also prohibited from remaining submerged 
on the route followed by the steamers making the regular service 
between Quiberon and Belle He, at the hours published in the time¬ 
tables. These hours are as follows: Leave Le Palais, 10 a. m. and 
3 p. m.; leaves Quiberon 1 p. m. and 5 p. m. 

According to the state of the sea and tide, these sailings are made 
from Port Maria or Portaliguen. 

Communication. —The postal service is made daily with Port 

» 

Maria, and the isle is connected by telegraph with the mainland. 

Life saving. —A lifeboat is stationed in the outer port of Palais, 
and line-throwing guns at the customhouse. 

Tides.— It is high water, full and change, at Le Palais at 3h. 34m.; 
the ordinary springs rise lGf feet, neaps 13 feet, above the level to 
which soundings are reduced, which is about 2 feet below the level 
of low-water ordinary springs. The mean neap range is 71 feet. 

Bancs de Taillefer. —The general soundings in the channel on 
the northeast side of the island are from 8 to 15 fathoms, excepting 
on the Bancs de Taillefer, which are three distinct ridges lying par¬ 
allel to each other in mid-channel, with from 6 to 8 fathoms water 
on them, but the center ridge has a shoal spot with only 3^ fathoms 
over it, from which Le Palais Citadel bears 210°, distant 2.7 miles. 

Clearing marks.— The south end of Haedik, open north of the 
lie aux Chevaux, bearing 115°, leads northeastward; Trochu Tower, 
in line with Taillefer semaphore, bearing 240° southeastward; Hae- 


194 


POINTE DE PEN MARC —POINTS DU CROISIC. 


dik Church, open south of He mux Chevaux, bearing 104° southward; 
and the Trochu Tower, in line with the houses of Port Quigenec, 
bearing 221° westward of these shoals. 

At night the lights of Port Navallo and La Teignouse, in line, 
bearing 44°, lead westward, and the glare of Goulphar Light, in line 
with Palais lights, leads southeastward. Port Maria Front Light, 
obscured, leads eastward of the shoal spot. 

Other patches lie to the southward of these ridges, but none have 
less'than 10 fathoms over them, except the Basse du Palais. 

Creeks. —Port Blanc, Port Larron, Port Salio, Samsun. Port de 
la Biche, and Port Huelen are creeks accessible only in offshore 
winds and are only used by fishing boats. Samsun has a white 
sandy beach in front of it. 

La Truie Rock— Tower. —This rock, which dries 10 feet, lies off 
Pointe du Bugull 2.2 miles southeastward of the entrance to Palais, 
and is marked by a black beacon tower, with a cylindrical top mark, 
7 feet above high water. 

A mooring buoy has been placed about 800 yards offshore north 
of Samsun. 

Telegraph beacons.— Two beacons, painted in blue and white 
horizontal bands, with a white circular top mark, have been erected 
on the west side of Samsun to mark the landing place of a telegraph 
cable. The beacons are 100 yards apart, and when in line bearing 
215° mark the line of the cable. 

Eastern coast—Les Galeres—Buoy. —Northward of Kerdonis 
Point, the east end of the isle, are the Galeres, which, although 
extending but J mile offshore, are dangerous on account of the ebb 
stream setting on them. The highest head of the Galeres dries 2 
feet and is 300 yards from the shore. A black spindle buoy, with 
a cylindrical top mark, is placed 600 yards eastward of these shoals. 

Light.—Pointe de Kerdonis Lighthouse, a square white tower, 
36 feet in height, with an attached building, is situated about 400 
yards northwestward of the point. From it a flashing red light is 
exhibited, 115 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Basse de la Bade, on which is a depth of 4f fathoms, lies about 
} mile 144° from Kerdonis Point. There are depths of from 54 to 7 
fathoms over \ mile northward of it. 

The east coast of the island is fairly steep. In northwesterly 
winds coasters anchor between Kerdonis Point and Pointe d’Arzie, 
and communicate with the creeks of Port an Dro and Port Maria. 
The anchorage off Port d’Arzic is frequented by pilot boats, as from 
it the semaphore is visible. There is stated to be a buoy to which 
they make fast. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed at Port d’Arzic, where it is 
hoisted on a jetty. 


P.EJLLE ILE. 


195 


Semaphore.— A semaphore is established on d’Arzic Point. It is 
178 feet above high water. The house is yellow, the mast black. 

The west coast from Pointe des Poulains to Taint Point is very 
broken and steep, being entirely exposed to the swell from seaward. 
Along it there are numerous rocks or islets, always above water and 
very near the land. 

Dangers. —The only real dangers for the small craft that fre¬ 
quent this coast are Le Four, a small rock about 1.7 miles northwest¬ 
ward of Taint Point, which uncovers 16 feet at lowest water, and a 
rock which dries 11 feet and lies J mile offshore, 237° from Goulphar 
Light. 

Semaphore.— A semaphore is established on Er Hastellic Point 
about J mile westward of Borderun Hill. It is 177 feet above high 
water. The house is yellow, the mast black. 

Light.—Goulphar Lighthouse, situated about 0.6 mile inland 
from the southwestern point of Belle lie, is a round white tower, 
151 feet in height, with a basement. From it a white electric flash¬ 
ing light, visible 23 miles, is exhibited 276 feet above high water. 

Fog signal.— From a small, isolated, white house, on the coast, on 
top of a clitf bearing 1,420 yards 210° from Goulphar Lighthouse, a 
siren, worked by compressed air, is sounded. 

Anchorage.— Port Goulphar, southward of the lighthouse, gives 
shelter to boats in northerly winds, but it is not adapted for larger 
vessels. A chain stretched across the head of the port serves to moor 
them. The bay off Port de Donan, a mile northward of the light¬ 
house of Goulphar, affords good anchorage in offshore winds in 8 to 
10 fathoms, sand and mund. The distance by land from Port de 
Donan to Le Palais is under 4 miles. 

Semaphore. —A semaphore is established on Pointe du Talut, 1 
mile south-southeastward of Goulphar Lighthouse. It is 195 feet 
above high water. The house is yellow, the mast black. 

The southern coast of Belle lie from Pointe du Talut to Pointe de 
l’Echelle is steep. Bourich Mill, about 1.2 miles northwest of Pointe 
de l’Echelle, is a prominent object on the eastern part of the island. 

Danger—Tower.— The only danger. La Truie, which dries 15 
feet and is situated J mile southward of Bangor Isle, about 1 mile 
eastward of Talut Point, has a red and black beacon tower, with a 
spherical top mark, 14 feet above high water on it. It may be passed 
on either side at the distance of 400 yards, but a patch of 4J fathoms 
lies 1 mile westward of the Truie. 

Anchorage.— Port Kerel, J mile eastward of Talut Point, affords 
shelter in summer to small vessels, with winds from west, through 
north, to northeast. This port is frequented by pilot boats, as it is 
in sight of Talut semaphore, and there are buoys to which they make 
fast. 


196 POINTE DE PENMARC , H—POINTE DU CROISIC. 

In northeasterly winds there is anchorage in 10 to 12 fathoms, sand 
and rotten rock, medium holding ground, about 800 yards westward 
of St. Marc Point, with the points of Pouldon and rEchelle in line. 

In the bay abreast this anchorage are the small creeks of Port 
Herlin and Port Blanc. Port du Pouldon is on the west side of the 
point of that name, 1.2 miles eastward of the anchorage. 

Pointe de PEchelle (Beg er Squele), the southeastern point of 
Belle lie, has a few rocks off it and may be approached to a distance 
of 400 yards. 

Tidal streams. —In the offing of Belle He, at low water, the 
stream sets north-northwestward with a velocity of 1 knot; at half 
flood northeastward, 2 knots; at high water, south-southeastward, 1 
knot; at half ebb, west-southwestward, 3 knots. At Poulains Point 
the flood sets east-northeastward, the ebb west-southwestward, with 
maximum velocity of 3 knots an hour. 

Along the west coast of the isle the flood stream sets southward, 
the ebb northward, from 1 to 2 knots an hour. 

On the south coast the flood sets eastward from half flood; the 
ebb westward, but with no strength. 

At Kerdonis Point the flood sets east-northeastward, the ebb south- 
southwestward, with a velocity of 3 knots at spring tides. 

In the channel north of Belle lie the flood enters bv both ends. 
The two streams meet at Taillefer Bank, and together set into the 
Bay of Quiberon, through the passes in the chaussee, extending from 
Quiberon Peninsula. The ebb, running in opposite directions, sets 
on Belle lie and divides into two branches, one running northeast- 
Avard, the other southeastward. 

North west Avard of Taillefer Bank the streams at springs run—at 
Ioav Avater, north-northwestward with a velocity of 4 knot; at half 
flood, east-northeastAvard 2 knots; at high Avater, southeastward J 
knot; and at half ebb, west-northAvestward 2 knots. Southeast¬ 
ward at Taillefer Bank the streams set—at Ioav Avater, north-north- 
westAvard 1 knot; at half flood, east-northeastAvard 2 knots; at high 
Avater, south-southeastward 1^ knots; and at half ebb, south-south- 
westward 1 knot. The streams are influenced by the winds. 

Pilots. —At Belle He there are pilot stations at Sauzon, Le Palais, 
Port Maria, and Goulphar, and the pilots serve not only the ports 
of the isle, but also the entrance of the Loire (in conjunction Avith 
the pilots of Saint Nazaire, Croisic, and Pouliguen) and the ports 
northward of Croisic. Their boats are cutter rigged and keep the 
sea very well. 

Soundings.— On the parallel of the southwestern point of Belle 
lie, and at 110 miles from it, is a depth of 89 fathoms, sand and 
shells. At 80 miles from it the bottom is sand and mud; at 42 miles 


BELLE ILE. 


197 

there are GO fathoms, sand and mud; and at 23 miles the depth is 
54 fathoms, mud. At 13 miles from the island, in depth of 48 fath¬ 
oms, the bottom changes decidedly to gravel and shells. The 27- 
fathom curve trends northward off the western side of the island, 
passing 2 miles westward of the southwest point of the island and of 
the rocks extending from Pointe des Poulains. 

Chaussee de la Teignouse. —Under this name is comprised the 
numerous rocks off the southern part of Quiberon Peninsula, and 
particularly those which surround La Teignouse Rock and lie be¬ 
tween the peninsula and the group of rocks named the Chaussee du 
Beniguet. 

Dangers.— At night the greater part of the Chaussee de la Teig- 
nouse is covered by a sector of green light, and the eastern part by a 
sector of white light from the rear lighthouse of Port Maria. The 
most important of the rocks of the chaussee are as follows: 

Western side—Le Four—Tower. —Le Four, marked by a black 
beacon tower, with a cylindrical topmark, 15 feet above high water, 
dries 10 feet, and is situated 1 mile southward of the Beg er vil, the 
eastern point of Loc Maria Bay. 

Basse Cariou—Buoy.— Basse Cariou, 0.7 mile southward of Le 
Four, dries 3 feet, and is marked by a black spindle buoy with a 
cylindrical top mark, placed on the southwestern side of the shoal. 

Basse du Chenal—Buoy. —Basse du Chenal, 1 mile southeast¬ 
ward of Basse Cariou, with 5 feet on it at lowest water, is marked on 
its southwestern side by a black spindle buoy with a cylindrical top 
mark. 

Rocks with 2f and 3 fathoms over them lie about 500 yards south¬ 
ward of the Basse du Chenal. 

Goue Vas—Buoys. —Gone Vas, a shoal 0.7 mile in length east¬ 
ward and westward, and nearly 1 mile in width, situated about 1,200 
yards southeastward of Basse du Chenal, has a depth of 5 feet over 
its shoalest part, and the sea breaks heavily on it. Its western end is 
marked by 2 spindle buoys; the northern, red, with a conical top 
mark; the southern, black, with a cylindrical top mark. 

The Roche du Hoche, a small patch with 31 fathoms over it at 
lowest water, lies about 400 yards northwestward of the western end 
of Goue Vas, and there is a 31-fathom rock about 400 yards north- 
northwestward of the middle part of the latter shoal. 

Clearing mark. —The white Avail of Kerne in line with the white 
guardhouse on Beg el Lan, bearing 328°, leads westward of the 
Chaussee de la Teignouse, with the exception of the Hoche Rock, 
which it passes over. 

At night the white sector of Port Maria high light in sight leads 
westward of all the above dangers, but not of Basse an Treac’h. 


198 


POINTE DE PENMARCpH-POINTE DU CROISIC. 


Center—Le Tonneau—Beacon. —Le Tonneau, a rock which dries 
11 feet, lies 700 yards 196° from Pointe de Conguel, and is marked 
by a red and black beacon. 

Les Trois Pierres—Tower. —This rock, 0.7 mile 205° from 
Pointe de Conguel, and in the center of the chaussee, dries 16 feet, 
and is marked by a red and black beacon tower with a spherical top 
mark, 14 feet above high water. 

Er Pondeu—Tower.— Er Pondeu, about 0.8 mile northeastward 
of Basse du Chenal, and in the center of the southern edge of the 
chaussee, is marked by a black beacon tower, with a cylindrical top 
mark, 15 feet above high water. A rock a short distance northeast¬ 
ward dries 14 feet. 

Eastern side.—Er Toul Bihan Islet, 28 feet high, lies 250 yards 
southeastward of Pointe de Conguel. About 100 yards northward 
of the islet, on the end of the reef extending from it, is a black beacon 
with a cylindrical top mark. 

Er Toul Bras—Beacons.— This islet lies i mile southeastward of 
Pointe de Conguel and has 2 beacons, which, in line, lead southward 
of the Banc de Quiberon. 

Eoc er Yy, 400 yards west-southwestward of Er Toul Bras, is 
marked by a black beacon. 

Ouarn Marc’h—Beacon—Buoy.— A beacon is being constructed 
on Ouarn March, a rock which dries 5 feet, situated 800 yards east- 
southeastward of Er Toul Bras. A black conical buoy is moored 
temporarily northeastward of the rock. 

La Teignouse Rock, 1.5 miles 116° from the Pointe de Conguel, 
is large and round, with a lighthouse on it. There is no safe passage 
between La Teignouse and the peninsula. 

Light.— From the lighthouse, a round white tower, with basement, 
the whole 51 feet in height, built on the Teignouse Rock, is ex¬ 
hibited, 59 feet above high water, a flashing red light, visible 13 miles. 

Life saving. —There is a line-throwing gun at the lighthouse. 

Basse Nouvelle—Buoy.— This rock, lying 700 yards 121° from 
Teignouse Rock, with a depth of 1 fathom over it, is marked by a 
black spindle buoy with a cylindrical top mark on its southeastern 
side. 

Several rocks with from 2J to 4J fathoms lie in the channel be¬ 
tween La Teignouse and Basse Nouvelle. 

Clearing mark.— The semaphore of Kernescop (Quiberon) in 
line with Portaliguen Lighthouse, bearing 300° and just open east¬ 
ward of Pointe Riberen, leads eastward of the Chaussee de la 
Teignouse. 

Passage north of Trois Pierres.— A channel with 8 feet at low 
water, which may be used by those locally acquainted, leads through 
the chaussee to Quiberon Bay. To pass through, approach with 



QUIBERON BAY. 


199 


La Teignouse Lighthouse and the beacon tower on Les Trois Pierres 
in line until the abbey of St. Gildas, on the eastern side of Quiberon 
Bay, is in line with a pointed whitewashed rock 350 yards southward 
of Er Toul Bras bearing 76°, and when the black beacons of Roc er 
\ y and Er Toul Bihan are in line steer northward, passing close east¬ 
ward of the former beacon and 100 yards eastward of the latter, and 
thence as requisite. Or a depth of 19 feet may be maintained by 
quitting the alignment of the abbey of St. Gildas and the white 
rock, above mentioned, when Le Tonneau Beacon is seen between 
the guardhouse near Beg er Vil and the steeple of Loc Maria 305°. 
This mark astern leads into the Passage de la Teignouse, eastward 
of Er Pondeu, until Le Four and Les Trois Pierres Towers are in 
line bearing *289°, which mark leads southwestward of La Teignouse 
and Basse Nouvelle. There are several rocks in the immediate 
vicinity of this track. 

Banc du Milieu, about 4 mile 115° from the eastern end of Gone 
Vas, has a least depth of 4J fathoms over it at lowest water and lies 

i 

in the center of the Passage de la Teignouse. 

Tidal streams. —Over the Chaussee de la Teignouse the stream 
at low water sets northwestward; at half flood, northeastward, at 
its greatest velocity of 3 knots; at high water, eastward, with no 
strength; at 2 hours after high water it runs southward and at half 
ebb southwestward; the greatest velocity of the ebb is 3J knots at 4 
hours after high water. The streams slack an hour after high and 
low water. 

Western approach to Quiberon Bay—Passage de la Teig¬ 
nouse—Depths.— The passage de la Teignouse, the northern of the 
passages for large vessels leading into Quiberon Bay from the west¬ 
ward, lies between the chaussee of la Teignouse on the north and the 
Chaussee du Beniguet on the south. There is a passage north of 
Goue Vas at the western end of the channel, and the principal pas¬ 
sage, between Goue Vas and les Esclassiers, is divided into two 
channels, 800 yards wide, by the Banc du Milieu already mentioned. 

The channel between Basse du Chenal and Goue Vas is about 0.6 
mile wide, but several rocks, with from 2f to 34 fathoms over them, 
lie in it; that between Goue Vas and Banc du Milieu has depths of 
9 to 25 fathoms; and the passage between the Banc du Milieu and 
les Esclassiers has 6 fathoms least water; eastward of Goue Vas the 
channel widens to more than 1 mile. 

Directions. —A vessel of moderate size, according to her draft 
and the state of the tide, can pass between Basse du Chenal and Goue 
Vas. with the Butte de Thumiac bearing 55°, open four times its 
width northward of Teignouse Lighthouse, or about midway between 
the lighthouse and Petit Mont. When Trois Pierres tower is in line 
21235°—17 - 14 



200 


POINTE DE PENMARC *H—POINTE DU CROISIC. 


with the Pierre de Conguel, steer 85° to pass southward of Basse 
Nouvelle and into Quiberon Bay. 

To pass through the principal passage between Gone \ as and 
Basse du Milieu bring Port Navallo Lighthouse just open southward 
of Teignouse Lighthouse bearing 43°. This mark leads about 600 
yards southeastward of the black buoy at the southwestern end of 
Gone Vas, and between the shoals. When Trois Pierres tower is in 
line with the Pierre de Conguel steer 63° to pass southward of Basse 
Nouvelle and into Quiberon Bay. 

To pass between the Banc du Milieu and Les Esclassiers, bring 
Crac’h High Lighthouse open westward of La Teignouse Lighthouse 
bearing 13°, and when Beg el Lan bears 305°, steer 63° into Quiberon 
Bay. 

Small vessels can pass between La Teignouse and Basse Nouvelle 
in 44 fathoms by keeping Kerdonis Lighthouse, Belle lie, in line 
with the black tower of Les Esclassiers bearing 185°. 

At night.—Bring Port Navallo Light, eastern side of Quiberon 
Bay just southward of Teignouse Light bearing 43°, which mark 
leads between Gone Yas and Basse du Milieu, taking care not to enter 
the green sector of Port Maria high light before the mark is on. When 
Portaliguen Light bears 333° steer 74° into Quiberon Bay. Porta- 
liguen Light is obscured between 317° and 302°. In sight on the lat¬ 
ter bearing it leads eastward of the Chaussee de la Teignouse. 

To pass between the Banc du Milieu and the Esclassiers, bring 
Crac’h rear light open westward of La Teignouse Light bearing 13°, 
and when Port Maria green light bears 310° steer 63° into Quiberon 
Bay. 

Directions—Baie de Quiberon approach—Zone reserved for 
traffic when submarine vessels are exercising.—When the flag 
with a yellow and a red horizontal stripe is hoisted at the signal 
stations or on the vessel escorting submarine vessels, to indicate that 
the latter are exercising submerged, all vessels wishing to enter or 
leave the Baie de Quiberon are earnestly requested to make use of 
the zone, defined below, in which submarine vessels are prohibited 
from exercising submerged. 

This zone is limited as follows: 

On the east and south by a line joining Crac’h Rear Lighthouse to 
Teignouse Lighthouse; thence by the alignment of Teignouse and 
Port Navallo Lighthouses until reaching the alignment of Quiberon 
semaphore and Port Maria Rear Lighthouse. 

On the west, from the southwestern extremity of the last-named 
limit, by the alignment of Quiberon semaphore and Port Maria Rear 
Lighthouse 340° until reaching the alignment of Teignouse Light¬ 
house and Trois Pierres tower 90°; thence by the last-named align¬ 
ment until reaching the alignment of Quiberon (Loc Maria) steeple 


QUIBERON BAY. 


201 


ond Port Maria Rear Lighthouse; thence by a line drawn to Beg el 
Lan Point. 

- Chaussee du Beniguet, southeastward of the Passage de la 
Teignouse, comprises numerous rocks extending about 2.7 miles in a 
southeasterly direction, with a width of a mile. The most important 
of the rocks are the following: 

Les Esclassiers—Towers.—Les Esclassiers, the northern of these 
shoals, situated about 2.5 miles southeastward of Pointe de Conguel, 
are marked by a conical red beacon tower with a conical top mark, 
16 feet above high water, on the northwestern summit, and by a black 
pear-shaped beacon tower with a cylindrical top mark, 16 feet above 
high water, on the southeastern. Shoals extend about 600 yards 
northward of the northwestern tower. The highest rock of the 
group dries 16 feet. 

There is a narrow passage through the chaussee southeastward of 
Les Esclassiers, with depths of from 7 to 10 fathoms, available for 
those with local knowledge. 

Les Sceurs comprise several rocks, of which two are always above 
water. Shoals extend northward and eastward about 800 yards from 
lies Sceurs. 

Veingeugeu, a group of small rocks, one of which is always above 
water, lies west-southwestward of Les Sceurs. 

lie Glazic lies toward the southwestern side of the chaussee, nearly 
a mile southeastward of the eastern Esclassiers Beacon. 

lie Valhuec, much the largest of all the rocks, is nearly 600 yards 
in length, east and west, and is situated ^ mile southeast of Glazic. 
It is surrounded by rocks, both above and below water. 

Le Grand Coin—Tower.—This rock lies at the southeastern end 
of the Chaussee du Beniguet, its principal summit, several feet high, 
has the appearance of a wedge. On the eastern extremity of this 
rock is a black beacon tower, surmounted by a cylindrical top mark, 
14 feet above high water. 

Clearing marks.—Beg Pel, in line with Le Rouleau Beacon tower, 
bearing 122°, leads southwestward, and a rocky peak on the western 
point of Houat Isle, in line with the tower on Bonen Bras, leads 
eastward of the Chaussee du Beniguet. 

Bonen Bras—Tower.—Bonen Bras, situated 550 yards north¬ 
westward of Beg er Vachif, dries 12 feet, and is marked by a red 
beacon tower with a conical top mark, 17 feet above high water, 
which indicates the eastern side of the Passage du Beniguet. 

Men er Broc, a small rock always uncovered, lies about 600 yards 
west-northwestward of Beg er Vachif, the northwestern point of 
Houat Isle. A rock with 5 feet on it lies 300 yards northward of it at 
the edge of the Passage du Beniguet. 


202 


POINTE DE PENMARCpH-POINTE DU CROISIC. 


Passage du Beniguet—Depth.—This passage, leading toward 
Quiberon Bay, lies between the southeastern end of the Chaussee du 
Beniguet and the shoals extending from Houat Isle. It is only about 
250 yards in width and has a depth of 9 fathoms. 

Directions.—Bourich Mill, in line with the houses on top of a 
cliff, eastward of Samsun village, Belle He, bearing 214°, leads 
through, but it should not be taken without a pilot. This mark leads 
within 150 yards of a depth of 5 feet on the southeastern side of the 
passage and within 100 yards of a patch of 3} fathoms on the oppo¬ 
site side, nearly abreast. 

If the above marks can not be made out, steer 34° midway between 
the beacon towers on Le Grand Coin and Bonen Bras. Having 
passed through the passage, if wishing to pass between the Grande 
and Petite Passes cle Houat, being Le Grand Coin tower in line 
with the citadel of Le Palais, bearing 240°. 

lie de Houat, seen from the southward, is bold, bare, and with an . 
old fort on it. It attains an elevation of 72 feet at the western and 
92 feet near the eastern end. In its eastern part is a village and a 
church, with a small conical steeple. Around the isle are some islets 
and rocks, more or less high, barren, and only interesting as land¬ 
marks when navigating in this vicinity. They are lie Cenis and He 
Guric, near the northwestern end of Houat. La Vieille, an islet 
formed of three conical blocks, f mile north-northwestward of the 
northeast point of the isle; Er Geneteu, Tal er Hah, and Er Yoc’h. 
round the northeast end of the isle; Beg Tost, Beg Griez, Beg Pel, 
and Try Men, detached islets, off the south end of the isle. 

Houat Isle has no port, but landing can always be made in its 
sandy bays. The principal are: Portz Yavalo, on the northern side, 
protected by a small stone pier; Treac’h er Gouret, on the eastern 
side, with a pier in its southern part; and a bay on the southwestern 
side southward of the old fort. 

Telegraph beacons.—Two beacons, painted in blue and white 
horizontal bands, with white circular top mark, 80 yards apart, have 
been erected at Portz Chudel, southwestern side of Houat Isle, near 
the cable hut, to mark the landing place of a telegraph cable. In 
line 69° they indicate the line of the cable. 

Another telegraph cable is laid from the eastern point of the isle 
in a 103° direction. The landing place is marked by beacons. 

Dangers.—The principal dangers on the northwestern side of 
Houat are the following: 

Le Rouleau—Tower.—Le Rouleau, at the western end of the 
shoals extending from Cenis Isle, does not cover and is marked by a 
red beacon tower with a conical top mark 22 feet above high water. 

A rock which dries 1 foot lies a little to the southward. 



QUIBERON BAY. 


203 


Midway between Le Rouleau and Bonen Bras and about 200 yards 
westward of Guric Isle at the edge of the deep water is a rock with 
14 feet of water over it. 

Southern side.—Men Portz Pious, which dries 5 feet, lies about 
000 yards off the middle of the isle. A rock, with 1 foot on it at 
lowest water, lies J mile to the west-northwestward, with a sunken 
9-foot rock between. A rock with 0 feet on it lies about 800 yards 
southeastward of Men Portz Pious. 

About 200 yards southeastward of the western point of the island 
is a rock with 7 feet over it. 

Er Gadorec a Vez, a rock situated J mile southwestward of Beg 
Tost Islet, dries 16 feet. A shoal with 2J fathoms over it lies 0.7 
mile farther in the same direction, and others Avith depths of 2J 
and 3 fathoms lie within 800 yards westward and south-southwest- 
ward of the rock. 

A rock, with If fathoms over it at lowest water, lies about 800 
yards west-southwestward of Beg Pel; and another, with 2 feet 
water on it, lies about 600 yards southeastward of the same islet. 

Men er Vag—Buoy. —This rock, which dries 5 feet, lies about 0.8 
mile southeastward of Beg Pel, and is marked by a red and black 
spindle buoy with a spherical top mark. A shoal of If fathoms lies 
200 yards southeastward of the rock. 

Er Spernec Bras—Tower. —Er Spernec Bras, a small rocky shoal, 
drying 10 feet, lies 1.2 miles east-southeastAvard of the south point 
of Houat and is marked by a black beacon tower Avith a cylindrical 
top mark 17 feet above high water. Another head dries 5 feet and 
f mile Avest-northwest of the tower Bonen Rock dries 5 feet. 

Er Rouzes—Tower. —Er Rouzes, a large shoal at the northern end 
of the Passage des Soeurs, and 1.7 miles 107° from the southern point 
of Houat Isle, is marked by a black and red beacon tower with a 
spherical top mark, 15 feet above high water. 

Chaussee de Pile aux Chevaux. —This chaussee extends in an 
east-southeastward and west-northwestward direction, parallel to 
Houat Isle, at about 2 miles southAvard of it. Houat and this 
chaussee rise from the same bank, on which the depths do not ex¬ 
ceed 5 fathoms. 

lie aux Chevaux, in the middle of this group, is conical and 
covered with grass. East-southeastward of this isle are Grimaud 
Tost, Grimaud Pel, Hrevantec Bras, and Drevantec Bihan, rocks 
always above water. 

Dangers.—Basse Occidentale, with 2J fathoms on it, lies 2.2 
miles 293° from lie aux Chevaux. 

Er Greheu, with If fathoms on it, lies J mile 145° from Basse 
Occidentale, with a rock betAveen them with If fathoms over it. 


204 


POINTE DE PENMARcTl- POINTE DU CROISIC. 


Le pot de Fer—Buoy.—This rock, lying 1 mile 290° from lie aux 
Chevaux, dries 3 feet, and is marked on its western side by a red and 
black buoy with spherical top mark. 

Men er Guer, which dries 13 feet, lies J mile eastward of Drevan- 
tec Bihan, and at the same distance southeastward of the latter 
rock is Bonen Bras, which dries 8 feet. 

East-southeastward about 200 yards from Bonen Bras is a rock 
with If fathoms on it. 

Close westward of Drevantec Bihan are two rocks just below the 
surface, and east-northeastward less than 200 yards distant is a 
rock that dries 14 feet at lowest water. 

Clearing marks.—Grands Cardinaux Lighthouse, in line with 
Er Palaire tower, bearing 105°, leads southward; Houat Church in 
line with Er Bee Point, bearing 336°, leads eastward; and Teignouse 
Lighthouse, open westward of Veingeugeu Rocks, bearing 351°, leads 
westward of these shoals in a depth of about 3 fathoms. 

Southeastern side—Men er Houteliguet—Tower.—This rock 
lies about 600 yards eastward of the southern point of Houat, and 
is marked by a red and black beacon tower with a spherical top 
mark, 15 feet above high water. About 0.7 mile 108° from the 
beacon tower Er Spernec Bihan dries 15 feet, and 600 yards farther 
in the same direction is a rock with 8 feet of water on it. About 
4 mile northeastward of the tower is a rock with 2 feet on it, and 
between are two rocks that dry. 

Men Groise—Beacon.—Men Groise, a rock about 1.3 miles 79° 
from the southern point of Houat, always dry, is marked by a red 
and black metal beacon with a spherical top mark, 12 feet high. 
About 300 yards south-southwestward of this beacon is a shoal with 
6 feet water over it, and close southwestward a rock that dries 6 feet. 

' Northern side.—Petite Basse de Houat, with 3J fathoms over 
it, lies about 1.1 miles 20° from the northwestern point of the isle. 

Clearing mark.—The old lighthouse of Haedik, in line with the 
eastern part of La Vieille Rock bearing 137°, leads northeastward of 
the shoal. 

Grande Basse de Houat, Avith 2 fathoms water on it at Ioav water, 
lies about 1 mile 40° from the northwestern point of the isle. 

Basse de PEumenide, with 1J fathoms water over it, lies about 
0.6 mile westward of La Vieille; a 6-foot rock lies 300 yards south¬ 
ward of it. 

Banc de Houat, the eastern part of which has only 2 fathoms 
water over it, lies 2| miles eastward of Houat. 

Clearing marks.—The tower of Grand Coin seen through the 
cutting in La Vieille bearing 277°, leads northward in about 5 fath¬ 
oms ; the lighthouse of Grands Cardinaux on Groguegues Islet in line 


QUIBERON BAY. 


205 


with Er Goualennec, a rock eastward of Haedik Isle, bearing 156°. 
leads eastward in the same depth; and Drevantec Bras in line with 
the southeastern point of Belle lie, bearing 236°, leads southeastward 
of this bank. At night the white sector of light from Port Maria, 
Quiberon, in sight, leads northeastward of all dangers on the north¬ 
eastern side of Houat Isle. 

Anchorage.—There is anchorage in 9 fathoms, sand and mud, 
sheltered from winds between south-southwest and west, with the 
Yieille in line with Portz Navalo of Houat, and Beg Pel in line with 
Er Yoc’h, which position is about 1 mile northeastward of Tal er 
Hah Rock; and for small vessels in 3 to 4 fathoms, sand and mud, 
sheltered from winds from southeast, through south, to west, with 
Houat Fort open northward of the village, and Er Yoc’h open its 
own width of the northeastern point of the isle, bearing 131°. Small 
craft may also anchor off the eastern side of the island, in Treac’h er 
Gouret, in 1J fathoms, with the fort of Houat over a stream and a 
road at the foot of the hill bearing 275°, and the abbey of St. Gildas 
open westward of Er Yoc’h. 

Les Sceurs—Tower.—These rocks, nearly 1 mile 295° from Pointe 
du Vieux Chateau, the northwestern point of Haedik, dry 18 feet, 
and are marked on the western extremity by a red beacon tower with 
a conical top mark, 15 feet above high water. They mark the eastern 
side of the Passage des Soeurs. 

Er Palaire—Tower.—Er Palaire, a rocky plateau 3 feet high, is 
marked on its western side by a red beacon tower with a conical top 
mark, 19 feet above high water, and lies on the eastern side of the 
southern entrance to the Passage des Sceurs. 

Numerous shoal heads lie southeastward of Er Palaire, between it 
and Basses du Chariot. 

Passage des Sceurs—Depths.—Between the Chaussee de Pile aux 
Chevaux and the shoals extending westward from Haedik is the 
Passage des Soeurs, which is narrow and has a least depth of 3 
fathoms at lowest water, but it should not be attempted by a stranger, 
as the tidal streams in it have a high velocity. 

Directions.—From the southward bring St. Gildas du Grand 
Mont Church in line with Er Rouzes Tower bearing 19°, which leads 
about 400 yards westward of Er Palaire Tower, 150 yards westward 
of Les Sceurs Tower, and 300 yards eastward of a G-foot rock south- 


westward of Er Rouzes. When Le Palais Citadel is in line with 
Grimaud Tost, that mark on astern leads to the eastward; or the 
southeastern end of Belle He in line with Drevantec Bras leads south¬ 
ward of Er Rouzes Shoals and Houat Bank. Houat Bank Can be 
crossed in not less than 3J fathoms at lowest water, with the target 
beacon at the foot of Haedik Village in line with the western side of 
Haedik Fort, bearing 152°. 


206 POINTE DE PENMARC -POINTE DU CROISIC. 

Haedik, about 3 miles southeastward of Houat, 1.2 miles in length 
east and west by \ mile in width, is 72 feet high and has an old fort 
on it, and in its northwestern part a semaphore, a church, and a mill. 
On the north side are two target beacons, situated about 400 and 1,400 
yards, respectively, eastward of the mill, and on the eastern part an 
old lighthouse and a druidical stone. Excellent water, single ballast, 
and fine sand can be obtained from this isle. 

Er Goualennec, a rock above water, lies 1,400 yards 110° from Beg 
Lagatte, the northeastern point of Haedik. 

Semaphore.—A semaphore is established on the north coast of 
Haedik at 99 feet above high water. The house is yellow, the mast 
black. 

Telegraph beacons.—On the north coast of the isle, 600 yards 
southeastward of the northwestern point, two beacons, painted in 
blue and white horizontal bands, with white circular top mark, and 
100 yards apart, have been erected to mark the landing place of a 
telegraph cable. When in line 175° they mark the direction of the 
cable. 

Principal dangers.—The island is almost entirely surrounded by 
a rocky bank, extending nearly 2 miles southeastward of it. On the 
south side ledges dry off from 300 to 800 yards from the shore. 

Southern side—Basses du Chariot—Buoy.—These rocks, with 
3 feet least water on them, situated over 1 mile 171° from the south¬ 
western point of Haedik, are marked on their southern side by a 
black spindle buoy with a cylindrical top mark moored close west¬ 
ward of a 5-foot patch. 

Eastward of the Basses du Chariot and 1.5 miles southeast of Port 
de la Croix is Ar Fer, with 1^ fathoms on it, Basse Ste. Anne, 800 
yards northwestward of Ar Fer, has 3 feet water on it. Numerous 
rocks lie between it and the isle. 

Eastern side.—Basse des Cardinaux, an isolated shoal with 3 
fathoms water over it at lowest water, lies 0.8 mile 184° from Grands 
Cardinaux (Grouguegues) Lighthouse. 

Clearing marks.—The south side of lie aux Chevaux in line with 
Er Palaire Beacon Tower leads close southward, and Grand Mont 
semaphore in line with Cohfournik Beacon Tower, bearing 355°, 
leads eastward of the Basse des Cardinaux. 

Les Grands Cardinaux—Tower.—These rocks, situated 1.7 miles 
southeastward of Haedik, are marked by a black beacon tower with 
a cylindrical top mark, 12 feet above high water, on Cohfournik, 
one of the eastern rocks. Shoals extend 600 yards eastward and 
southeastward of the beacon tower. 

Les Petits Cardinaux—Tower.—This group of rocks, lying 
northwestward of Les Grands Cardinaux, are marked by a black 


QU1BKR0N BAY. 


207 


beacon tower with a cylindrical top mark, 12 feet above high water, 
on the rock named hr Gurannich, which is 1.1 miles northward of 
( ohfournik. Shoals extend 800 yards northward of Er Gurannich. 

Northern side—La Chevre Rock, which dries 3 feet, lies J mile 
‘2S()° from the northeastern point of Haedik and near the anchorage, 
with the eastern target beacon in line with the old lighthouse and the 


western target beacon in line with Haedik Church. Men el Einnen, 
a rock with 1 fathom water on it, lies east-southeastward of La 
Chevre, midway between it and the shore. 

Lights—Grands Cardinaux.—On Grouguegues Islet, 1.5 miles 
128° from Haedik, from a white cylindrical tower 81 feet in height 
is exhibited, 89 feet above high water, a fixed white light visible 15 
miles. 

Clearing marks.—The square peak on north side of lie aux 


Chevaux, in line with Drevantec Bras, bearing 306°, or lie Cenis, off 
the western end of Houat Isle, in line with.Er Palaire Beacon Tower, 
bearing 317°, leads southwestward of the dangers off Haedik. 

Cohfournik Beacon Tower, just open southward of Grands Cardi¬ 
naux Lighthouse, leads southward of Ar Fer and northward of Basse 


des Cardinaux. 

Grands Cardinaux Lighthouse, open eastward of the rock of that 
name, bearing 179°, leads eastward of Les Petits Cardinaux, and 
Er Yoc’h, open northward of Men Groise Beacon,.bearing 301°, leads 
northeastward of Les Grands Cardinaux and the dangers off the 
north side of Haedik. 

At night the light on Pointe des Poulains, Belle lie, in line with 
Taillefer Point or Goulphar Light, open southward of the light on 
Pointe de Kerdonis, leads southward of all dangers south of Haedik. 

Anchorages.—Large vessels anchor in the Bade de Haedik, north¬ 
ward of the isle, sheltered from winds between south-southwest and 
west, in 7 fathoms, mud, and good holding ground, with Cohfournik 
Tower in line with Er Goualennec and the southeastern point of Belle 
lie open of Pointe du Yieux Chateau. 

There is also anchorage northward of Haedik in 4 to 5 fathoms, 
sand and mud, sheltered from winds between southeast and west, 
with Drevantec Bras shut in by Pointe du Yieux Chateau and Haedik 
villnge opening westward of the western target beacon. 

Directions.—Approaching the inner anchorage from the eastward, 
pass between La Chevre and the rock Men el Linnen, keeping Haedik 
semaphor in line with the western target beacon, bearing 209°. 

Approaching from the Passage des Soeurs, or from Quiberon Bay, 
pass westward of La Chevre, keeping the western side of Haedik 
Fort in line with the western target beacon; this mark also leads 
across the Banc de Houat, as previously mentioned. 


208 


POINTE DE PEN MARC POINTE DU CEOISIC. 


Port de la Croix, on the southern side of Haedik, is only able to 
shelter fishing boats, which ground behind a mole 250 yards in length 
east and west. 

The entrance is difficult and requires local knowledge. The ap¬ 
proach from the southward lies eastward of Men Fourchee Rocks, 
which dry 5 feet, and between the black beacon and the red tower 
off the ends of the mole. 

Beacons.—Several of the rocks southward of the port are marked 
by beacons. 

Western side of approach: Roch Melen has a black beacon tower; 
600 yards west-southwestward of Roch Melen is Er Noh, with a red 
and black beacon; a black beacon marks the edge of the rocks near 
the end of the mole. 

Eastern side: Madavour Rock is marked by a red beacon tower, 
and another red tower stands a short distance southeastward of the 
black beacon near the mole head. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed at Haedik Isle, and a line¬ 
throwing gun at Les Grands Cardinaux Lighthouse. 

Tidal streams.—In the Passage des Sceurs the flood stream begins 
at low water and sets north-northeastward; at half flood it sets east- 
northeastward; and near high water east-southeastward. The ebb 
begins at high water and sets south-southwestward, at half ebb west- 
southwestward, and it ends setting north-northwestward. The 
velocity of both streams reaches 3J to 4 knots an hour at spring tides. 
The branch of the flood stream which passes eastward of Haedik sets 
east-northeastward toward the mouth of the Vilaine River with a 
velocity of 2 knots, and the ebb runs southwestward with a velocity 
of 2^ knots at ordinary springs. 

Southern approach to the Bale de Quiberon.—The southern 
approach to Quiberon Bay from seaward lies between the Grands 
Cardinaux Rocks and the Plateau du Four, 6.5 miles apart; the 
* navigable width of the channel for large vessels is about 6 miles, 
between Basse des Cardinaux on the northwest and Basse Capella on 
the southeast. 

Dangers.—The dangers extending southeastward from the Qui¬ 
beron Peninsula which form the western side of the approach from 
southward have been described. 

Eastern side—Banc de Guerande.—This bank, southwestward 
of the Plateau du Four, has 54 to 8 fathoms water over it. rockv 
bottom, and is 6 miles in length northward and southward and 
1 to 2 miles in width; with and after heavy southwesterly weather 
it sometimes breaks over its whole extent. On its northern end, and 
1.2 miles westward of the southwestern end of the Plateau du Four, is 
Basse Capella, a rocky shoal with a least depth of 3J fathoms on it. 


QUIBERON BAY. 


209 


Plateau du Four.—This dangerous rocky bank, lying from 3.2 to 
5.5 miles westward of Croisic Point, is about 3.2 miles long north 
and south, and from 1 to 2 miles broad. Its northeastern part dries 
to a considerable extent, and a lighthouse is built on it; near this 
plateau, and forming a portion of it, are the following rocks and 
shoals: 

Bonen du Four—Buoy.—Bonen du Four, about 0.9 mile 295° 
from the lighthouse, with 1J fathoms of water on it, is marked by a 
red spindle buoy, with a conical top mark, moored northward of it. 

La Calebasse, about 400 yards southeastward of the lighthouse, 
dries 15 feet. 

Goue Vas—Buoy.—Gone Vas, with 5 feet on it, a detached patch 
off the south end of the plateau, is marked by a black spindle buoy, 
with cylindrical top mark, moored southward of it. 

Clearing marks.—Croisic Church (in the town) and Guerande 
Church in line bearing 00°, leads southward of Goue Vas. 

Grands Cardinaux Lighthouse and the southern side of the fort on 
Haedik Isle in line bearing 300°, lead southwestward of the Plateau 
du Four, northeastward of Basse Capella, and over Basse Guerin. 

Piriac Church and the semaphore on Pointe du Castelli in line, 
bearing 50°, lead northwestward of the plateau. 

Piriac Church in line with the western houses of Penharan bearing 
20°, leads eastward of the plateau, but over Basse Hikeric. 

At night the plateau is covered by a sector of red light from 
Trehic Jetty Lighthouse. Treliic white light in sight leads north¬ 
ward. 

Light—Le Four.—From a white circular tower, 92 feet in height, 
on the highest of the rocks at the northern part of the Plateau du 
Four, is exhibited, 79 feet above high water, a fixed and flashing 
white light visible 14 miles. 

Life saving.—There is a line-throwing gun at Le Four Light¬ 


house. 

Basse Guerin, a large rocky shoal, with 11 to 18 fathoms over it, 
which only breaks in heavy weather, lies about 2 miles westward of 
the Plateau du Four. 

Banc Fournier, a rocky patch with 17 fathoms least water, lies 
midway between the Grands Cardinaux and the Plateau du Four. 

Plateau de la Becherche, lying in an east-northeasterly and west- 
southwesterly direction, about 4.5 miles south-southeastward of 
Pointe du Grand Mont, is nearly 5 miles in length, and its average 
breadth is about i mile. The general soundings over it are from 
5 to 7 fathoms, but there are numerous patches of from 1 to 4f 
fathoms, and around the bank there are 7 and 8 fathoms water, 
mud, and clay. 


210 POINTE DE PENMARCpH—POINTE DU CROISIG. 

Roche de Lomariaker—Buoy.—The Roche de Lomariaker, a 
patch having only 1 fathom over it at lowest water, near the middle 
of the Recherche Bank and 2 miles from its western end, is marked 
by a red and black spindle buoy, with a spherical top mark, moored 
0.3 mile south-southeastward of it. A 2J-fathom patch lies about 300 
yards eastward of the rock. 

The Roche de Sarzeau, another patch with 1 fathom over it, lies 
1 mile east-northeastward of the Lomariaker. Several shoal patches 
lie between Lomariaker Rock and the Sarzeau, also eastward and 
southeastward of the latter. The easternmost patch of 3J fathoms is 
about J mile from the extreme end of the bank and 1 mile from the 
Sarzeau. About 400 yards eastward of Sarzeau Rock there is a 
head of If fathoms. 

At the western end of the plateau a ridge 1 mile in length has 
depths of from 3J to 4^ fathoms on it at lowest water. 

About 300 yards southward of the bank and about 1 mile from the 
western end is a depth of 4^ fathoms. 

Clearing marks.—The church spires of Badene and Arzon in 
line, bearing 346°, lead westward of the bank; the church of Houat, 
open southward of Houat Fort, leads northward; Bauzec Beacon 
tower, in line with Meaban, bearing 299°, leads northeastward; the 
church of the Tour du Parc, open southward of Penvin Point guard¬ 
house, leads southeastward; and the church of Houat, open north of 
Houat Fort, west, leads southward. 

The bank can also be crossed in depths of more than 5J fathoms, 
westward of Lomariaker Rock, with Arzon Church open westward of 
Pointe du Grand Mont; between Lomariaker Rock and Sarzeau Rock, 
with St. Hildas Church tower and Bauzec Beacon tower in line, bear¬ 
ing 329°. 

Plateau de PArtimon.—About 2.5 miles eastward of Haedik Isle 
is a rocky bank, named the Plateau de PArtimon, about 2.5 miles in 
length north and south by 1.7 miles in width, on which there is a 
heavy sea in bad weather from the southwest, but which does not 
break. The depths on the bank are 7 to 10 fathoms, and vessels 
anchoring on it are likely to lose their anchors. 

A depth of 5 fathoms, rocky bottom, exists on the northeastern 
edge of this shoal. 

Tidal streams.—The directions and velocities of the streams be¬ 
tween the Cardinaux and the Plateau du Four are: At low water, 
west 1 knot; at half flood, northeast 2 knots; at high water, scarcely 
any stream; and at half ebb, west-southwest 2J to 3 knots an hour. 
Southward of the Grands Cardinaux the stream sets toward the shore 
while the water is rising at Brest. 

Baie de Quiberon is about 9.5 miles wide at the entrance between 
the points of Conguel and Grand Mont, and affords capacious an- 


QUIBERON BAY. 


211 


ehorage in 5 to iU fathoms, mud, sand, and shells. It is protected on 
the west by Quiberon Peninsula, and on the southwestward and 
southward by the Beniguet, Houat, and Haedik Islands and Rocks, 
which extend in a 130° direction for 14 miles from the southeastern 
extremity of the peninsula, terminating in Les Grands Cardinaux 
Rocks. 

The land at the northern end of the bay is rather low, but higher at 
the sides, the eastern side being more elevated than the western. 

The northern shore of the bay is indented by numerous small inlets, 
some of which dry at low tide, and is fronted by banks and rocks. 
In the northeastern part of the bay is the entrance of the Morbihan, 
so named from two Celtic words meaning inland sea. The shores 
of the Morbihan have a most broken outline, and it is occupied by 
numerous islands and shoals, between which are narrow channels 
leading to Vannes and Auray. Pilots are necessary for their navi¬ 
gation. 

The eastern shore of the bay trends northwest from Pointe du 
Grand Mont for 3 miles to Petit Mont, 124 feet high, and forms a 
shallow bay, which recedes about J mile. In the bay are some rocks 
above and below water and a sandy beach. One mile northwestward 
of Petit Mont is the point of Port Navallo, the eastern entrance point 
of the Morbihan. 

Landmarks.—Besides the remarkable points already mentioned 
on the Quiberon Peninsula, the best landmarks for Quiberon Bay are: 

On the western side—St. Julien mill, about 600 yards northward of 
Loc Maria Church, and Portaliguen Lighthouse. 

On the northern side—The Crac’h Lighthouses; the white chapel of 
St. Michel on a hillock, northeastward of Carnac; the white guard¬ 
house of Beaumer Point, southeastward of Carnac, and close to a 
house with turrets; the small spire of Crac’h and the tall spire of 
Ste. Anne d’Auray; the white summit of Mousker Islet, at the en¬ 
trance of Crac’h River; Lomariaker Church steeple, which, though 
not high, can be seen all over the northern part of the bay; Badene 
Church, with a slender gray spire, situated about 3.5 miles eastward 
of Crac’h, on the top of a wooded hill, the highest of those bordering 
the bay. 

On the east side—The tower of St. Gildas, and the semaphore on 
Pointe du Grand Mont; Arzon steeple, surrounded by the houses of 
a village, which may be seen between the Petit Mont and the Butte 
de Thumiac; and the lighthouse at Port Navallo. 

Dangers—Banc de Quiberon—Buoy.—The Banc de Quiberon, 
situated in the southwestern part of the bay, extends nearly 2 miles 
north and south, and has depths of from 2f to 5 fathoms, sand, over 
it. except at its south end, where there is a small head with 5 feet. 



212 


POINTE DE PENMARC H-POINTE DU CROISIC. 


A black and white spindle buoy with a diamond top mark is an¬ 
chored about 200 yards southward of the depth of 5 feet. 

A red and white spindle buoy with a top mark of 2 cones, points 
together, is moored northward of the 2J-fathom head at the northern 
end of the bank. 

Clearing marks.—The eastern beacon tower of Les Esclassiers, 
open westward of La Teignouse Lighthouse, bearing 176°, leads 
westward of the Banc de Quiberon. Loc Maria Church, in line with 
the red beacon tower 400 yards northwest of Portaliguen Light¬ 
house, bearing 249°, leads northward; the two beacons on Er Toul 
Bras, in line, bearing 271°, leads southward; and the high lighthouse 
of Crac’h, seen between the low lighthouse and steeple of Crac’h, 
bearing 9°, leads eastward. 

At night a vessel will pass southward of the Banc de Quiberon by 
keeping near the southern edge of the white sector of light from 
Portaliguen, at the same time keeping in the northern part of the 
white sector of light from Port Maria. Kerdonis Light, well open 
westward of Teignouse Light, bearing 182°, leads westward, and 
keeping in the red sector of Crac’h Lower Light leads eastward. 

Roche Souris, a small patch of 4f fathoms with 6 fathoms around, 
lies midway between Quiberon Bank and Cracdi River. 

Clearing marks.—The square tower of Sarzeau Church, in line 
with the southern side of Meaban, leads southward of the rock; 
Rieulec Mill, northeastward of St. Gildas, in line with the northern 
side of Meaban, leads northward; Auray spire, between Crac’h Church 
and high lighthouse, but nearer the former than the latter, leads 
westward; Crac’h Church steeple and high lighthouse, in line, leads 
eastward. 

Roche Rat, with 3 fathoms on it, lies 1 mile 333° from Roche 
Souris; a rock with 2J fathoms over it lies 1,200 yards northwest¬ 
ward of the Rat. 

Western side of bay.—In the vicinity of Portaliguen are the 
following dangers: 

Basse du Furet, with 3 feet of water over it, is situated 700 yards 
109° from Riberen Point; from the rock the Pierre de Conguel and 
a black and white disk northern side of Anse de Conguel are in line, 
and a similar disk southward of Riberen Point is in line with Loc 
Maria Church steeple. 

Les Pierres Dupont—Beacon.—Les Pierres Dupont, west-south- 
westward of the Furet, is marked by a black iron beacon with a cylin¬ 
drical top mark, which is 10 feet above high water. 

Basse Olibarte—Beacons.—Basse Olibarte, about \ mile north¬ 
ward of Portaliguen Lighthouse, is a rocky bank which uncovers in 
places. Its southern end is marked by a red and white beacon tower 


QU1BER0N BAY. 213 

ard its northern end by a black and white beacon 300 yards north¬ 
ward of the tower. 

Bank—Buoy.--About 700 yards northeastward of Portaliguen is 
a bank 400 yards long east and west by 300 yards broad, on which 
the least depth is 1 fathom. A red and black spindle buoy with 
circular top mark lies off its southern side. iVbout 200 yards east¬ 
ward of the bank is a detached patch of 2^ fathoms. 

About 500 yards northward of the northern Olibarte Beacon is 
Baguen Hir, a rock 5 feet high, with a head that dries 1 foot on a 
shallow patch southward of it. 

Basse St. Julien, with 3 feet of water on it, lies about 400 yards 
northward of Baguen Hir and 900 yards offshore. Abreast Basse 
St. Julien rocky ledges and shoal water extend 700 yards from the 
shore. 

Pierres Noires—Beacon.—A little more than 1 mile northward 
of Portaliguen and at the northeastern extremity of the shoal water 
just mentioned are the Pierres Noires, a rocky plateau, the highest 
heads of which uncover 5 feet. On the northeastern head, which 
dries 1 foot, is a black iron beacon with cylindrical top mark, distant 
800 yards from the shore (destroyed, 1910). 

Buoy.—A black spar buoy with a cylindrical top mark is moored 
45 yards eastward of the site of the beacon, pending its reerection. 

Clearing* mark.—The fort on Houat Isle in line with La Teig- 
nouse Lighthouse, bearing 141°, leads eastward of the above dangers, 
but over the 2^-fathom patch. 

Men er Boue—Beacon.—These rocks dry 6 feet, and are marked 
by a black iron beacon with a cylindrical top mark, 7 feet above high 
water, 1.5 miles northeastward of St. Pierre village. 

Northern part of bay—Beacons.—Between St. Colomban Point 
and Pointe de Beaumer rocks and shallow water extend from J to 4 
mile from the shore. Karek Segal, Karek Pellan, and Karek Ber¬ 
nard Rocks, which dry 10, 4, and 13 feet, respectively, are marked 
by black beacons with cylindrical top marks. Karek Beaumer, an 
islet, lies off Beaumer Point on a rocky ledge extending 700 yards 
southeastward from the point. 

The eastern shore of the bay is bordered by flats on which are 
several rocky patches, as follows: 

Plateau de Grand Mont extends 2.3 miles west-southwestward 
from the point of that name to the 5-fathom curve. On its outer 
edge, 242° from the point, is a shoal with If fathoms least water 
and a 2-fathom patch about 300 yards northward of it. 

Buoy.—A red spindle buoy with conical top mark marks the 
southwestern side of the lf-fathom shoal. 


214 POINTE DE PEN MARC —POINTE DU CROISIC. 

Basse du Grand Mont—Buoy.—This rocky shoal, awash at low 
water, lies 1 mile 183° from Pointe du Grand Mont and is marked 
by a red spindle buoy with a conical top mark on its western side. 

Clearing marks.—-The guardhouse on Pointe de St. Jacques in 
line with Le Bouzec Tower, bearing 81°, leads southward of Basse 
du Grand Mont, in 3^ fathoms, and the Chapelle de St. Michel, in 
line with the west end of Meaban, leads westward. 

Basse de St. Gildas—Buoy.—Basse de St. Gildas, with 2 feet 
water, lies over a mile 270° from Pointe du Grand Mont and is 
marked by a red spindle buoy with a conical top mark on its south¬ 
western side. 

Buoy.—About 800 yards 201° from Basse de St. Gildas is l’Epieu, 
a patch of 1-fathom water, marked on its southwestern side by a 
spindle buoy, painted in red and black horizontal bands, with ball 
top mark. 

Clearing mark.—Badene Church, in line with the eastern point of 
Petit Mont, bearing 350°, leads westward of Basse St. Gildas and of 
the 1-fathom patch. 

Basse de Thumiac, a detached shoal, with 3f fathoms on it, lies 
2.7 miles 257° from Pointe du Grand Mont and 4 miles southward of 
Iverpenhir Point. 

Clearing mark.—Crac’h steeple in line with the western side of 
Meaban, bearing 338°, leads westward of Basse Thumiac and of the 
Plateau de Grand Mont; also Badene Church in line with Petit 
Yeisit Island bearing 1°. 

Basse du Morbihan, with 2 fathoms on it, lies 2.7 miles 277° 
from Pointe du Grand Mont. About J mile northward of the basse 
and close eastward of the leading mark across the bar of the Morbi¬ 
han is a patch of 2f fathoms, and \ mile 116° from the basse is a 
patch of fathoms close to the 5-fathom curve. 

Basse Kercouedo, with 2-J fathoms on it, lies about 800 yards 
southward of Petit Mont. 

Pilots.—The pilot of Portaliguen has charge of the pilotage be¬ 
tween the Teignouse and Crac’h River. Trinite Station extends from 
Carnac to the Buissons de Meaban. These pilots are usually near 
their stations in small, cutter-rigged fishing boats. 

Anchorages.—Large vessels anchor in 5 t^ 8 fathoms, sand and 
mud, westward of Quiberon Bank, in the space limited, northward 
by a line through Loc Maria Church and Portaliguen Lighthouse; 
eastward by a line through Teignouse Lighthouse and the eastern 
tower of the Esclassiers; southward by a line through Ivernescop 
semaphore and Olibarte Beacon Tower: and westward bv a line 
through the eastern end of Valhuec Isle open eastward of Teignouse 
Lighthouse. This anchorage is well sheltered with winds from 


QUIBERON BAY. 


215 


north-northeast, through west, to south-southeast. Easterly winds 
sometimes cause a heavy sea, but the holding ground is good. 

Coasters sometimes anchor in the Bay of Conguel, in 3f fathoms 
at lowest water, with Portaliguen Lighthouse in line with Riberen 
Point, and Er Pondeu Tower between Conguel Point and Er Toul- 
bihan, where they are sheltered from westerly winds. Small vessels 
also anchor otf Portaliguen, in about 3 fathoms, sand and mud, good 
holding ground, with Kernescop semaphore in line with Olibarte 
Beacon Tower, and the Pierre de Conguel in line with the south¬ 
eastern end of the beach northward of Riberen Point, sheltered from 
winds from north, through west, to southeast. With easterly winds 
there is a choppy sea. 

Moorings.—A mooring buoy is placed in 4f fathoms about 1 
mile east-southeast of Portaliguen Lighthouse, and two others about 
0.7 mile farther southeastward. A fourth buoy lies eastward of the 
south end of the Banc de Quiberon, about 800 yards northeastward 
of the buoy marking the bank; and a fifth, in 9 fathoms, about 4 
miles 95° from Pointe de Conguel. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, at 
Portaliguen at 3h. 36m.; springs rise 17J feet, neaps 13J feet, above 
level of soundings, which is 2 feet below that of low water ordinary 
springs; ordinary springs range 15J feet, neaps 7J feet. 

At La Trinite it is high wafer, full and change, at 3h. 30m.; 
springs rise 17J feet, neaps 13| feet, above level of soundings, which 
is 2J feet below that of low water ordinary springs; ordinary springs 
range 15J feet, neaps 7-§ feet. 

Southeastward of La Teignouse, at low water, the stream sets 
northwestward with a velocity of 1 knot; it gradually turns north¬ 
ward, reaching northeast at high water. Its greatest velocity at half 
flood is 1J knots at ordinary springs. After high water it runs west- 
southwestward through the passages of the Chaussee de Quiberon, and 
attains its greatest velocity, 2J knots, at ordinary springs at 4 hours 
after high water. 

In the anchorage westward of the Banc de Quiberon the flood 
stream is not felt until | hour after low water, when it sets north- 
northwest, turning to north-northeast, in which direction it sets until 
2 hours before high water. It then turns toward the left and is 
setting west-southwest at high water. The turning continues toward 
the left until half ebb, when the stream is setting southward, and at 
low water it has turned again to south-southwest. The greatest 
velocity of flood stream is 1 knot, and of the ebb 1^ knots, an hour. 

In the middle of the bay the stream at low water sets north-north¬ 
westward, turning northward; at half flood it sets northeastward, 
when it is at its greatest velocity of 1J to 2 knots at ordinary springs. 

21235°—17-15 



216 POINTE DE PENMARC'H—POINTE DU CROISIC. 

It then turns back to the north-northeast, which is its direction at 
high water, and continues turning to west-southwest, in which direc¬ 
tion the ebb reaches its greatest velocity of 2 knots an hour. 

At Pointe du Grand Mont, the eastern entrance point of the bay, 
the flood stream sets southeastward; at half ebb it is setting south- 
southwest with a velocity of 2 knots. The rotation is influenced by 
the Morbihan and the Vilaine. 

At Bassee de Thumiac, on the eastern side of the ba}q the general 
direction of the stream is toward the east and south. From south- 
southwest at low water it turns to the left, and at 2 hours flood it is 
setting east-northeast. It then turns to the right for the remainder 
of the tide, and at high water is setting southeastward with a velocity 
of 1 knot, and at low water south-southwestward at 2 knots an hour. 

Portaliguen—This little port, on the eastern side if Quiberon 
Peninsula, is formed by two jetties. It dries 6 feet. A tide gauge 
painted on the outer face of the head of the eastern jetty indicates 
the height of the water inside the entrance to the port. There are 
few supplies, even for a small craft, but provisions (or coal in case 
of necessity) can be obtained by rail from Auray. There is a post 
and telegraph office at Loc Maria or Quiberon. 

Portaliguen Light.—On the end of the northern jetty, from a 
circular white tower 37 feet in height an occulting light visible 11 
miles is exhibited 39 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Tower.—A red beacon tower is situated on the shore about *200 
yards northward of Portaliguen Lighthouse. A conspicuous house 
stands a little westward of the tower. 

Life saving.—There is a line-throwing gun at Portaliguen. 

Port d’Orange (Port St. Pierre) about 2.3 miles northward of 
Portaliguen, is only a sandy bay, sheltered by Quiberon Peninsula. 
There is a jetty, about 460 feet long, used by boats at high water. 
Coasters anchor eastward of the church at some distance from the 
shore, or, in very fine weather, they make fast to buoys near the shore 
and ground at low water. 

Beacon.—Northward of St. Pierre is Ours Iverret Rock, marked 
by a red iron beacon with a conical top mark 6 feet above high water. 

Life saving.—A line-throwing gun is kept at St. Pierre. 

Anse du Paux, in the northwestern part of Quiberon Bay, was 
formerly frequented by coasters, which found there an excellent 
shelter. For this bay keep Plouharnel in line with Kerivor Rock, 
bearing 357°, leave on the starboard hand at 50 yards distant the red 
beacons with conical top marks on the rocks near the shore, then 
keep along the northern side of the bay as far as the jetty, where 
the grounding place dries 7 feet at lowest water. 

Riviere de Crac’h—Depths.— 1 This river, flowing into the north¬ 
ern part of Quiberon Bay, is easy of access. The channel is marked 


QUIBERON BAY. 


217 


by buoys. The Port de la Trinite, situated on the right bank of the 
river, 1 mile from the entrance, has a quay where vessels alongside 
ground at low water, and a landing mole. The least water in the 
approach is 2 fathoms, just westward of the line of leading lights 
and Mousker Islet, but is deeper within the entrance points. Abreast 
La Trinite the depths are from 5 feet to 2J fathoms. Abreast the 
port there is completely sheltered anchorage in a depth of 2 fathoms, 
mud, at lowest water. Provisions sufficient for a small vessel and 
water from certain wells may be obtained, but no coal. There are at 
La Trinite yards where small wooden vessels are built, and a post 
and telegraph office. A light railway connects Trinite with Carnac, 
Plouharnel, and Etel. 

Lights .—On the eastern entrance point of Crac’h River 2 range 
lights are exhibited. 

The outer, or front light, fixed red, is shown 30 feet above high 
water from a small white house, and is visible 9 miles in clear 
weather. The power of the light diminishes on each side of the 
leading line. 

The inner, or rear light, fixed white,-is shown 69 feet above high 
water from a circular white turret, 41 feet in height, situated 574 
yards 348° from the front light, and is visible 8 miles in clear 
weather. 

Buoyage.—The western side of the channel is marked by six black 
conical buoys, and the eastern side by one red spindle buoy, the 
latter being abreast the northernmost black buoy. 

Dangers in approach.—Off the entrance to the river, the princi¬ 
pal outer shoals are: 

Western side.—Banc de Crac’h, a rocky reef with 2J fathoms 
water over it, which extends about 800 yards northward and south- 
ward, lies about 1 mile south-southeastward of Pointe de Kerbean, 
the western entrance point. A patch of 2f fathoms lies J mile south¬ 
ward of the bank. 

Le Petit Treho—Buoy.—Le Petit Treho, a rock with 3 feet water 
on it, J mile south-southeastward of Kerbean Point, is marked on 
its southeastern side by a black spindle buoy with a cylindrical top 
mark. Le Grand Treho is a rock at the end of a ledge extending 700 
yards southward of the point. 

Eastern side—Basse des Buissons—Buoy.—The Basse des 
Buissons is an isolated rock, with 3 feet water over it, situated 2.7 
miles 151° from Crac'h front light, and is marked on its southern 
side by a red conical buoy. 

Le Grand Buisson—Beacon.—This plateau, which dries 11 feet, 
lies 0.6 mile eastward of Basse des Buissons, and marked by a red 
iron beacon, with a conical top mark, 14 feet above high water. 


218 POINTE DE PENMARC'H—POINTE DU CROISIC. 

Buissons de Meaban—Beacon.—A rocky plateau 1 mile in 
length east and west; the eastern part dries 7 feet and the western 
extremity is marked by a red beacon with conical top mark, 10 feet 
above high water, distant 1.2 miles northwestward from Meaban 
Islet. Shoal water extends 400 yard southwestward from the beacon. 

Roche Revision, nearly awash at lowest water, is situated 1.6 miles 
151° from Crac’h front light. Iverhelegui and Les Boeufs, rocks 
which dry 8 and 5 feet, respectively, lie about 600 yards eastward of 
Roche Revision. Ar Gazek, which dries 14 feet, lies about \ mile 
north of Roche Revision, at the extremity of a rocky ledge extending 
1,800 yards south-southeastward from the shore. Mousker Islet, 6 
feet high, lies 400 yards 151° from the eastern entrance point of the 
Crac’h River, and its summit has been whitened. 

Directions.—Approaching Crac’h River from the southward, 
steer in with Crac’h Lighthouses in line, bearing 348°, until the left- 
hand pier of the bridge over the river is seen just westward of the 
point on the left bank northwestward of Kernevelite. This mark 
leads toward the Vasiere Yaneresse, marked by black buoys, which 
leave to port; and when the Moulin de Kerguille is in line with the 
enner end of the pier steer toward it, passing southward of a depth 
of 5 feet and anchor abreast the pier. From the western part of 
Quiberon Bay, Badene Church, in line with the southern end of 
Mousker, leads southward of Le Petit Treho and up to the leading 
mark in about 2f fathoms. From the Morbihan, Carnac steeple 
open westward of the guardhouse on Pointe de Beaumer leads west¬ 
ward of the dangers on the eastern side of the approach. 

At night .—Steer in with the leading lights in line bearing 348° 
taking care not to open the white light eastward of the red when 
approaching Mousker Islet. When abreast Mousker open the white 
light westward of the red until near the left bank of the river, which 
should be followed at the distance of about 100 yards, and when suffi¬ 
ciently advanced anchor, being guided by the buoys. 

Riviere de Saint Philibert.—This river, about 1 mile eastward 
of Cracfli River, and also flowing into the northern part of Quiberon 
Bay, is only frequented by fishing boats. A black beacon has been 
placed on Le Grand Peligon at the southeastern end of Men ar Bellec 
Rocks, which form a continuation of the western entrance point. 

Point Kerpenhir, 3.2 miles east-southeastward of the entrance to 
the Crac’h River, forms the western entrance to the Morbihan. 

Semaphore.—A semaphore is established at Point Kerpenliir. 

The entrance to the Morbihan, between Kerpenhir and the 
points of Port Navallo and Mouton, is about \ mile in width, partly 
occupied by shoals, but with a narrow channel from t<b 15 fathoms 
in depth. 


QUIBERON BAY. 


219 


The bar situated between Basse Kercouedo and the shoals eastward 
of Meaban has a depth of 3 fathoms on it at lowest water, but there 
is a narrow channel over it with not less than 6 fathoms at lowest 
water. It is not advisable to attempt to enter without a pilot, as the 
tidal streams are rapid. 

Morbihan—Dangers in approach.—On the western side of the 
entrance to Morbihan, in the northeastern part of Quiberon Bay, 
the principal outer shoals and rocks are: 

Basse de Iver Joanno, a patch with 3 fathoms on it, lies 3 miles 
180° from Point Kerpenhir. 

A rock with a depth of 4J fathoms over it, 700 yards northeastward 
of Basse de Ker Joanno. 

Clearing marks.—Arzon church steeple a little within the north 
side of Petit Mont, bearing 31°, leads between Basse de Ker Joanno 
and Basse de Meaban. 

Basse de Meaban—Buoy.—This shoal, with 5 feet least water 
over it, is situated about 1,200 yards south-southeastward of Meaban 
Islet and is marked by a black spindle buoy with a cylindrical top 
- mark about 400 yards southward of it. 

Meaban Islet, 1.5 miles south-southwestward of the entrance, is 
moderately high. 

A bank of sand and rocks, with general depths of 1^ to 2J fathoms 
on its eastern edge, extends southward 2 miles from Kerpenhir Point, 
the western entrance point, and forms the western side of the main 
entrance to the Morbihan. 

Towers.—On this bank are the rocks of Baguen Hir, marked on 
their southeastern side by a black beacon tower, and a rock about 
400 yards southward of Kerpenhir Point, also marked by a black 
beacon tower. 

The dangers on the eastern side of approach to the Morbihan have 
been described, as on the eastern side of Quiberon Bay. 

Lights.—Two lights are exhibited from the same lighthouse, a 
white cylindrical tower, 62 feet in height, on Port Navallo Point, 
the eastern side of the entrance to the Morbihan. The upper light, 
shown 104 feet above high water, is fixed white, visible 9 miles in 
clear weather. 

The lower light, shown 92 feet above high water, is also fixed white. 
It is visible 15 miles in the direction of the Teignouse. 

At long distances the two lights appear as one. (See Light List.) 

The lighthouse, the keeper’s house, and a large inclosing wall are 
whitewashed, and may‘be seen from a long distance. 

Directions.—Badene spire in line with the white wall on Petit 
Veisit bearing 1°, leads in the fairway of the main channel till Grand 
Buisson Beacon is in line with the south side of Meaban, when, in 


220 


POINTE DE PENMARC'H—POINTE DU CROISIC. 


order to avoid the shoal bank on the western side of the channel, 
bring the white wall in line with Port Navallo Point, bearing 359 , 
until the southern extremity of Point Mont bears 91°, when Badene 
church should be again brought in line with the wall. This mark 
ranges close to the shoal water off Port Navallo Point. 

Pilots for tli j Morbihan are stationed at Port Navallo and at 
Lomariaker. Those of Port Navallo have the right to pilot out¬ 
going vessels as far as Penerf. 

Vessels coming from the Vannes River are conducted by pilots 
from the, He aux Moines and the lie d’Ars. The Auray pilot takes 
the vessels descending from that place. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, at 
Port Navallo at 3 h. 57 m.; ordinary springs rise 17J feet; neaps 
13J feet above the level of soundings, which is 2| feet below low 
water ordinary springs. The mean neap range is 7J feet. 

Off the entrance to the Morbihan, generally, the flood stream sets 
northeastward and the ebb southwestward. The streams are weak 
in the bay, but as the entrance is approached, they, both flood and 
ebb, take the direction of the channel, and their velocity increases 
greatly, so as to attain a velocity of 8 knots an hour off the point of 
Port Navallo at spring tides. 

At Port Navallo the streams turn 1J hours after high and low 
water at springs and 1| hours at neaps. In the bay southeastward 
of Petit Mont, where coasters await the turn of the tide to enter 
the Morbihan, the turn of the streams takes place 1 hour later than 
at Port Navallo. 

Port Navallo, situated in a little bay on the eastern side of the 
entrance, is used by coasters. There is a mooring buoy in the en¬ 
trance for small craft. The village offers but very few supplies. 

Postal and telegraphic communications can be made at Arzon, 
about 1,200 yards eastward of the port. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed at Port Navallo. Stations 
for the relief of shipwrecked people are at Port Navallo and at lie 
aux Moines and Auray in the Morbihan. 

Riviere d’Auray—Depths.—This river, named the Loch, flows 
into the western part of the Morbihan, near its entrance. There are 
anchorages in the river for vessels of fairly large §ize, and it can be 
ascended as far as le Rocher, about 6 miles up, by vessels of 10 feet 
draft at any time of tide, and as far as Auray, about 8 miles up, by 
vessels of 11 feet draft at high-water neaps, and 141 feet at high- 
water springs. The streams in the river are not very strong, the 
greatest velocity of the flood being 2 knots and of the ebb 2J knots 
at springs. 

Port <PAuray.—There are quays on both sides of the river at 
Auray, alongside which the grounding places dry 3 feet at lowest 



QUIBERON BAY. 


221 


watery at which time there is 1 foot of water in the middle of the 
channel. The population of the town is about 5,100. 

Supplies—Repairs.—At Auray, water, provisions, and coal may 
be obtained in sufficient quantity for the vessels which are able to 
reach the port. There are also yards and workshops, among them 
those of the railway, capable of effecting small repairs, and there is 
a graving slip on the left bank. 

Communication.—There is a railway station and a post and tele¬ 
graph office. 

Port de Vannes.—This tidal port, situated at the head of an inlet 
in the northern part of the Morbihan, at 10 miles from Port Navallo, 
is accessible to vessels of 11J feet draft at high-water spring tides and 
8J feet at high-water neaps. It is frequented by coasters, which 
bring iron ore, coal, and timber. The port consists of a basin 55 
yards in width, having on each side masonry quays 330 yards in 
length, alongside which vessels ground on soft mud. 

Supplies—Repairs.—Provisions in large quantity, water, and 
coal from the briquet factories may be obtained. Besides the rail¬ 
way workshops there are in the town several establishments where 
metal work is done and yards where wooden vessels are built. There 
is a graving slip able to take vessels drawing 8 feet. Two small steam 
tugs are employed at the port. 

Communication.—There is a railway station with communica¬ 
tion to all parts, and a post and telegraph office. 

The town of Vannes is ancient, with narrow streets and over¬ 
hanging houses, massive walls, and gates. It has a cathedral. There 
are two suburbs, Manche and St. Paterne. The trade is chiefly in 
corn, salt, hemp, butter, wax, honey, cider, brandy, and wines. The 
industrial products are cloth, calico, linen, lace, ironmongery, beer, 
and salt. 

Directions—Prom the westward—By day.—From the west¬ 
ward proceed through the Passage de la Teignouse as previously 
directed, and then between Quiberon Bank and the Teignouse, with 
Kernesctip semaphore in line with Riberen Point. When Kerdonis 
Point Lighthouse is open westward of Teignouse Lighthouse, bearing 
182°, steer for the anchorage between the limits previously given. 

At night.—From the westward, having passed through the Pas¬ 
sage de la Teignouse, on opening Portaliguen Light, bearing 302°, 
steer toward it, keeping within the white sector of Port Maria Light, 
till Kerdonis Light is open westward of Teignouse Light, bearing 
182°, then steer 344° and anchor when Portaliguen Light bears 276°, 
or as convenient. 

To pass eastward of Quiberon Bank keep on the western side of 
the red sector of Crac’h lower light, and when Portaliguen Light 
bears 248° steer for it till Kerdonis Light is open westward of Teig- 


222 POINTE DE PENM ARC Tl—POINTE DU CROISIC. 

nouse Light, bearing 182°, then steer south west ward and anchor with 
Portaliguen Light bearing 271°. 

From the south-westward—By day.—Entering Quiberon Bay 
from the southwestward, steer for about 2 miles southeastward of 
Grouguegues Lighthouse, which position is southeastward of the 
Cardinaux and the shoals near them; then haul to the northward 
around the shoals of Haedik Island with discretion, and give t a good 
berth to Houat Bank. Kernescop semaphore, just open northeast¬ 
ward of Riberen Point, bearing 300°, leads northeastward of the 
shoals off Haedik and Houat Isles. Afterwards proceed as from the 
westward. 

For the Morbihan from 1 mile eastward of the Cardinaux steer 
for a position nearly 1 mile southwestward of Basse de Thumiac, 
and bring Badene Church in line with the white wall on Petit Yeisit 
Isle, bearing 1°. This mark leads between the Basses Ker Joanno 
and Morbihan, and in the fairway to the entrance, but no attempt to 
enter must be made without a pilot, for the channel is narrow and 
the tidal streams very strong. 

At night, having rounded the Grands Cardinaux at about 2 miles 
distance, when the light on Grouguegues bears 254°, steer northward 
to bring the light on the Plateau du Four to bear 127°, and keep it so 
astern (taking care not to bring it to the southward of 132°, nor east¬ 
ward of 122°, to avoid the Plateau de la Recherche and the Banc de 
Houat), until the white light of Portaliguen is sighted, bearing 
southward of 302°, when, if bound to the anchorage westward of the 
Banc de Quiberon, proceed as from the westward, as previously 
directed. 

Portaliguen Light dividing line between the white and red sectors 
bears 295°, passing in mid-channel between the Banc de Houat and 
the Plateau de la Recherche. Following these directions this light 
may be sighted either white or red, but the white sector must be en¬ 
tered, and the light steered for before the Banc de Quiberon is ap¬ 
proached, and over which the red sector shows. 

Pointe du Grand Mont, the eastern entrance point of Quiberon 
Bay, is formed of steep and moderately high cliffs; on the top of the 
Grand Mont is the wood and abbey of St. Gildas, the square tower 
of which can be seen from a long distance. The land here attains a 
height of 108 feet. 

Semaphore.—There is a semaphore on Pointe du Grand Mont 92 
feet above high water. 

The coast from St. Jacques Point, which is about 2.5 miles east- 
southeastward of Pointe du Grand Mont, trends eastward nearly 5 
miles to the Pointe de Penvins. It is low and indented by little bays 
and inlets. 


QUIBERON BAY. 


223 


Landmarks.—The most noticeable marks are: The square tower 
of Sarzeau Church; Trest windmill, whitewashed and without sails; 
the ruins of the Chateau de Succinio; and, on the lowlands on both 
sides of Penerf River, the chapel and guardhouse of Penvins Point; 
the Tour de Penerf, which is painted white and resembles an old 
lighthouse; the church of the Tour de la Parc, with its very high 
and pointed spire; and Damegan Church, the conical steeple of 
which is whitewashed. 

Dangers.—All this coast is bordered by rocky shoals, which often 
extend more than 1 mile from it. 

Le Bauzec—Tower.—About 1.7 miles southeastward of Pointe du 
Grand Mont the rocky ledge of Le Bauzec extends south-southwest- 
ward ^ mile from the cliff and is marked 200 yards within its south¬ 
ern extremity by a red beacon tower, with a conical top mark, 21 
feet above high water. 

Plateau de St. Jacques.—The Plateau de St. Jacques, which 
extends about 2 miles offshore to the 5-fathom curve, comprises all 
the rocky shoals around Pointe de St. Jacques. Two of its heads, 
Roh Naben and Roh Beniguet, 4 mile offshore, are above water. 

Beacon.—A cylindrical masonry beacon, painted black, sur¬ 
mounted by a cylinder, 30 feet above the rock and 17 feet above 
high water, is erected on the southern end of Roh Beniguet Reef. 

Basse de St. Jacques—Buoy.—Basse de St. Jacques, a shoal 
about 0.6 mile in length, east and west, with 6 feet least water on it, 
lies 1 mile southeastward of St. Jacques Point. A black spindle 
buoy with cylindrical top mark marks the southern side of some 
rocky heads, with from 1J to 3 fathoms over them, extending over 
a mile westward from the shoal. 

Clearing mark.—Penerf Tower opens southward of the point of 
land 800 yards eastward of Pointe de Penvins, leads southward of 
Basse de St. Jacques in a depth of about 4^ fathoms. 

Anse de Succinio, westward of Pointe de Penvins, is encumbered 
with rocks and shoals which render access to it dangerous. 

Beacon.—A black iron beacon with a cylindrical top mark is 
erected on the shoal J mile southward of Beg Lane Point. 

Plateau de Penvins—Buoy.—The Plateau de Penvins is formed 
of rocks, which surround Penvins Point for a distance of J mile, 
and which extend eastward as far as the west pass of Penerf River. 

A black spindle buoy with a cylindrical top mark is moored on the 
southern side of the plateau. 

Hade de Penerf, where vessels anchor to await a suitable time for 
entering the Penerf River or the Vilaine, is southward of the en¬ 
trance to Penerf, and has depths of from 4 to 5 fathoms. It is 
exposed to winds from seaward (southwestward), and is not well 
sheltered in other directions, but the holding ground is good. 


224 


POINTE DE PENMARC'H— POINTE DU CROISIC. 


Penerf—Depths.—The port of Penerf, situated on the left bank 
and 1.5 miles within an inlet or river, the entrance of which is east¬ 
ward of Penvins Point, is frequented by coasters, which load with 
corn and salt, and by fishing boats. The depth of water over the 
bar of the eastern pass is 13 feet at lowest water; in the port the 
depths are from 14 to 6 fathoms. The passes, which lead on either 
side of the shallow Plateau des Passes, are marked by beacons. 

Between the southeastern end of the Plateau des Passes and the 
southwestern buoy of the Plateau des Mats is a 24-fathom patch, 
in the center of the approach to the eastern pass. The Tour de 
Penerf in line with the steeple of Penerf bearing 31° lead toward 
the eastern entrance. 

At the village a very small quantity of provisions and water can 
be obtained, but no coal. Postal and telegraphic communications 
are made through Damegan, about 2 miles to the eastward. 

Pilots.—The station of Penerf is limited by Pointe de St. Jacques 
and Dumet Isle. The pilots of this station pilot vessels to Penerf, 
and, in the absence of the proper pilots, to Port Navallo and to 
Trehiguier. Their boats are small and they do not go far from the 
vicinity of the river. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, at 
Port Penerf at 3h. 33m.; ordinary springs rise 174 feet; neaps rise 
134 feet above lowest water. In the offing of Penerf the streams 
have a greatest velocity of 14 knots an hour. Outside the Plateau 
des Mats the flood sets to the northeastward and the ebb westward. 

Plateau des Mats—Buoys—Beacon.—Between Penvins Point 
and Kervoyal Point, about 5 miles to the eastward and eastward of 
the Plateau des Passes, is the extensive rocky flat, Plateau des Mats, 
which extends in some parts over 1.5 miles from the shore, and many 
rocks on it uncover at low tide. A short distance outside the edge 
of the central part of the plateau and 1.4 miles 150° from Penerf 
Tower is a rock with 2 feet of water on it. 

The southwestern edge of the plateau is marked by a red spindle 
buoy with a conical top mark, moored near the Borenis Rock, which 
dries 2 feet at lowest water. The southeastern edge of the plateau is 
marked by a black spindle buoy with a cylindrical top mark, 800 
yards northwestward of which, on the southern end of a reef, is a 
black iron beacon with a cylindrical top mark. Between the beacon 
and the black buoy are two sunken rocks. 

Basse des Mats.—Nearly midway between the buoys of the 
Plateau des Mats and 1.6 miles offshore is the Basse des Mats, with 
a depth of 1 fathom on it, and having two small detached patches, 
with depths of 14 and 24 fathoms, situated, respectively, about 800 
yards 142° and 4 mile 108° from it. 



BADE DE PENERF. 225 

Trest Mill, open southward of Penvins Point, bearing 288°, leads 
southward of these patches and northward of Basse de Penerf. 

Basse de Penerf, a rock with 3f fathoms water on it, lies about 1 
mile 216° from the Basses des Mats and 2.2 miles 166° from the 
Tour de Penerf. 

Clearing mark.—The ancient abbey of Prieres, and Penlan Light¬ 
house in line, bearing 52°, leads southward of the above dangers. 

The coast from the Pointe clu Croisic trends irregularly north¬ 
ward 12 miles to the entrance to La Vilaine River. It is generally 
low and bordered by shoals, which extend off it from J mile to 3 
miles. It is all open to the westward, and has no shelter but some 
tidal harbors, of which only one, Le Croisic, is of any importance. 

Landmarks.—The most noticeable objects, commencing from 
southward, are the ancient Roman semaphore house of La Romaine, 
on a height westward of Le Croisic and near the sea; the churches 
of Le Croisic and Bats, each with a high square tower, surmounted 
by a round roof and a small lantern; on Pen Bron Point, the hos¬ 
pital for children, a large building of one story, with its western side 
painted yellow; a white beacon, consisting of a wall with triangular 
top, has been erected on Pen Bron Downs, 1.3 miles northeastward 
of the hospital; Guerande Church, with a tall spire, on a hillock 
which is wooded on its eastern side; the large white mill of Lamotte, 
westward of Clie Village; Penharan Mill, with neither roof nor sails, 
near Pointe du Castelli; Piriac Church Tower, with a round roof; 
the guardhouse and mill of Beaulieu, situated on a black point north¬ 
westward of Mesquer Church; the whitewashed mill of Pont Mahe; 
Pile du Bile, a large block about 40 feet in height, with the low 
Aloes Rock near it. 

Hade de Croisic.—This road, situated between Pointe du Croisic 
and Pointe du Castelli, has good anchorage in depths of from 2 to 
7 fathoms, and often serves to shelter vessels unable to enter the 
Loire in strong southeasterly winds; but it is open from southwest, 
through west, to north, and even with fresh offshore winds the 
swell is heavy. Flats with less than 3 fathoms water extend off the 
shores of the road from \ mile to 1 mile. 

Dangers.—In the channel between Pointe du Croisic and the 
Plateau du Four are— 

L’Inconnu, with 3^ fathoms on it, situated 2.7 miles 274° from the 
point and nearly 1 mile from Le Four Lighthouse. 

Basse Hikeric, a patch about 600 yards across, with a least depth 
of 2J fathoms on it, lies nearly in mid-channel between the Plateau 
du Four and Basse Castouillet and about 1.7 miles 280° from Pointe 


226 


POINTE DE PEN MARC *H—POINTE DU CROISIC. 


du Croisic. The shoal is covered by the southern sector of red light 
from Trehic Jetty. 

Basse de la Baie, a patch of mud and rock with 8 fathoms least 
water, lies about 1 mile northward of Basse Hikeric. 

Clearing marks.—Piriac Church, open westward of the houses of 
Penharan, bearing 25°, leads westward of Basse Hikeric. Bats 
Steeple, open northward of the Chapelle, bearing 113°, leads north¬ 
eastward. 

The principal dangers in the southern part of the road are: 

Basse Castouillet—Buoy.—Basse Castouillet, a group of rocky 
reefs extending about 1 mile northwestward of Pointe du Croisic, 
and on which the sea breaks in bad weather from the westward, is 
marked by a red spindle buoy with a conical top mark, moored £ 
mile westward of its outer part. The shoal is covered by the south¬ 
ern sector of red light from Trehic Jetty. 

Basse Glozin. with 2£ fathoms, lies \ mile northeastward, and 
Basse Grenet, a small patch of 7 fathoms, rock, about J mile north¬ 
ward of Basse Castouillet. 

Basse Hergo—Tower.—Basse Hergo, 400 yards northwestward 
of Croisic Jetty end, dries 4 feet and is marked by a red beacon tower 
with a conical top mark 21 feet above high water. 

Basse David, with 1J fathoms water, lies 800 yards 303° from 
Basse Hergo. 

Basse Trujean, with 2 fathoms on it, lies 1,100 yards 316° from the 
jetty. 

Basse de la Barre, with 1 foot water on it, is situated about 400 
yards north-northwestward of Le Croisic Jetty end. A rock with 
1 foot of water on it lies 300 yards northwest of the Basse de la 
Barre. 

Northern part of road.—Basse Bezou, about 1.8 miles south- 
southeastward of Castelli Point and J mile offshore, is rocky, with 
depths of 1J to 2f fathoms over it at lowest water. This shoal is 
dangerous to vessels working along the shore. 

Clearing mark.—The fort on Dumet Isle, open westward of 
Bayonnelles Tower, bearing 320°, leads westward of it. 

Anchorage.—There is anchorage in about 6 or 7 fathoms, sand 
and mud, with Bats Church in line with the hospital on Pen Bron 
Point and Lamotte mill on with the north part of Clie village. 
Small vessels anchor nearer the shore. 

Le Croisic.—The port of Le Croisic is frequented by fishing boats 
and coasters, which bring wine and wood from the northward and 
load with salt, made in the marshes of Guerande and Bats. The 
town is a watering place and has a population of 2,418. There is 
railway and telegraphic communication. A small quantity of pro¬ 
visions and water only could be obtained here, and no coal unless, 



BADE DE CROISIC. 


227 


perhaps, from the railway. A jetty extends north-northwestward 
from the town nearly 1,800 yards to the Trehic Rock. Inside of this 
the port dries at low water except a small space named Le Poul, 
where there is a depth of 5 feet. Eastward of Le Croisic and of the 
tongue of land of Pen Bron is a large salt marsh named Le Grand 
Trait. 

Lights.—From a gray granite turret, 33 feet in height, on the end 
of Trehic Jetty, a fixed white and red light is exhibited 39 feet above 
high water. The white light is visible 10 miles and the red light 6 
miles. The light is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

Range lights.—At the head of the outer port and northward of 
the town of Le Croisic two fixed white lights are shown from white 
wooden supports, 50 yards apart, which in line, bearing 156°, lead 
through the channel. The front light is elevated 15 feet above high 
water, the rear 33 feet, and they are visible 5 miles. There are also 
shown from lamp-posts 7 green lights on the western side and a 
white light on the eastern end of the stockade of Canonniers Quay, 
inside Trehic Jetty. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, at 
Le Croisic at 3 h. 42 m.; ordinary springs rise 17£ feet, neaps 13J feet 
above the level to which the soundings are reduced, which is about 
1^ feet below the level of low water ordinary springs. A tide gauge 
painted on the end of Trehic Jetty indicates the height of water in 
the channel. 

The tidal streams are very strong in the channel leading to the 
port of Le Croisic. Their greatest velocity, which is at 2 hours before 
and after high water, is 4 knots at springs and 2 knots at neaps. 

Between the Four and Croisic Point the flood stream sets north¬ 
eastward at a greatest velocity of 2 knots; and the ebb west-south- 
westward, 3 knots at ordinary springs. 

Pilots.—Croisic pilot station is included within lines from Castelli 
Point to Dumet Isle, thence to the Four and Le Croisic; but the pilots 
are able to take vessels to St. Nazaire. Their boats have two masts 
and are like the fishing boats of this vicinity. Pilotage is com¬ 
pulsory for vessels of and above 8J feet draft and of at least 80 tons 
in the port of Croisic. # 

Directions^-By day.—Approaching the Rade de Croisic from the 
southward Piriac Church, bearing 14°, in line with a white house 
near the shore, leads between Basse Hikeric and Basse Castouillet, 
and when Port la Turballe bears 49° steer toward it for the 

anchorage. t 

At night.—If approaching from Quiberon Bay or from the pas¬ 
sage between the Grands Cardinaux and the Four, steer toward Le 
Croisic when within the white sec tor of Trehic Jetty Light, which 


228 


POINTE DE PENMARcTl-POINTE DU CROISIC. 


leads northward of the Plateau du Four, and when La Turballe red 
light bears 59° alter course toward it and anchor in T to 8 fathoms 
when Trehic Jetty Light changes from white to red. 

Small vessels may proceed farther eastward, and when the Croisic 
leading lights are in line bearing 156° steer toward them a short 
distance and haul to the eastward and anchor by the lead, with Tur¬ 
balle Light bearing 14°. 

From the southward pass through the channel between Basse 
Hikeric and Basse Castouillet by keeping Le Pilier Light open 1° 
westward of La Banche Light (both occulting white), bearing 151° 
until Trehic Jetty white light is sighted, bearing 92°, when haul to 
the northeastward within the red sector of La Turballe Light for the 
anchorage, as before directed. 

La Turballe, a tidal port which dries entirely at low water, lies in 
the northern part of the Bade de Croisic, 2.5 miles southeastward 
of Castelli Point. It is divided into two parts, the northwest, or 
Port Garlahy, and the southeast, or Grand Port, and is frequented 
by numerous fishing boats and some coasters. At the village, where 
there is a post and telegraph office, provisions and water may be 
obtained, but very little coal. 

Lights. —On the end of Garlahy Jetty, which shelters Port Gar¬ 
lahy from the westward from a white cylindrical turret 28 feet 
in height, a fixed white and red light is exhibited 35 feet above high 
water. The white light is visible 9 miles and the red light 5 miles 
in clear weather. (See Light List.) 

On the northwestern end of Tourlandroux Breakwater, which is 
on the southwestern side of Grand Port, and on the eastern side of 
the entrance to La Turballe a fixed green light, visible 3 miles, is ex¬ 
hibited at 23 feet above high water from a white hut. The light is 
unwatched. (See Light List.) 

Beacons. —-The southern part of the rocks at the western side of 
the entrance of La Turballe is marked by a black beacon tower with 
a cylindrical top mark 18 feet above high water. There is a red 
wooden beacon with a conical top mark, 8 feet above high water, on 
a rock in the western channel and a black beacon southwestward of 
the southern end of the breakwater. 

Life saving. —A lifeboat is stationed in a house at the inner end 
of the jetty which separates Port Garlahy from Grand Port. 

The Anse de Lera, a cove 1.3 miles northward of Turballe, affords 
shelter during the winter to the fishing boats of Piriac. Numerous 
rocks lie off it, one of which is marked by a red beacon with a conical 
top mark. 

Pointe du Castelli—Semaphore.— On Pointe du Castelli, 5 miles 
northward of Pointe du Croisic, is a semaphore, 137 feet above high 
water. The house is yellow and the mast black. 



BADE DE CROISIC. 


229 


Between Pointe du Castelli and Pointe de Loscolo, 5.7 miles north- 
northeastward, is a shallow bay, which recedes 3.5 miles. The head 
of the bay is divided by a projecting point, on which is the chapel of 
Penbaie. Both the inlets thus formed dry at low water. In the 
southern are salt marshes and the small Port de Mesquer, which is 
only frequentd by a few coasters, which load with salt. The north¬ 
ern inlet, over a mile in width and depth, is named Le Trait de 
Penbaie. At the southern end of the bay, 1 mile from Pointe du 
Castelli, is the village of Piriac. 

Dangers—Plateau de Piriac—Towers.—This plateau borders 
Castelli Point, and extends 2 miles northwestward of it and 1.2 miles 
northward of Piriac. The outer patches have depths of from 1J to 
about 3 fathoms over them, with heads of 1 foot to 1 fathom inside 
them, but rocks, which dry at low water, lie 0.6 mile otfshore, and are 
marked by two red towers with conical top marks, one 22 feet above 
high water, 4 mile westward of Castelli Point—on the Bayonelles, a 
rock which dries 11 feet, and the other, 14 feet above high water, on 
the Kohtres, 4 mile northwestward of Piriac village. 

Grand Norven, a rock which dries 6 feet, 800 yards northeastward 
of the Kohtres, is marked by a red beacon with conical top mark. 

The passage between Plateau de Piriac and Dumet Isle should not 
be attempted by large vessels. 

Clearing mark.—The steeple of Bats and the white bell tower of 
the hospital on Pen Bron in line bearing 141°, lead southwestward 
of the Plateau de Piriac. 

Roche de Kervaire—Beacon.—This rock lies 2.3 miles northeast¬ 
ward of Castelli Point and J mile otfshore. It dries 9 feet, and is 
marked by a black beacon with cylindrical top mark. 

Basse de Beaulieu—Buoy.—Basse de Beaulieu, lying 0.9 mile 
westward of Pointe de Mesquer at the head of the bay, dries 1 foot, 
and is marked on its south side by a black buoy with cylindrical top 
mark. 

Basse Normande—Buoy.—Basse Normande, with 3 feet over it, 
lies 600 yards northward of Basse de Beaulieu, and a shoal, with 
14 feet about 500 yards westward of Basse Normande, is marked on 
its northwest side by a red buoy with a conical top mark. 

Laronesse—Beacon.—Laronesse Rock, 1,200 yards southward of 
the He du Bile, dries 6 feet, and is marked by a black wooden beacon, 
with a cylindrical top mark, 16 feet above high water. 

Basse du Bile, a small rocky shoal, with 2 feet water over it, lies 
1 mile westward of the lie du Bile. 

Grand Sillon, marked by a black beacon, and Roche de Penbaie, 
are tw T o rocks, dry at low water, in the center of Le Trait de Penbaie. 

Basse de Loscolo, a rocky shoal, with 2 feet of water on it, lies 
f mile westward of Pointe de Loscolo; a patch with 1 foot water lies 



230 POINTE DE PENMARChl-POINTE DU CROISIC. 

£ mile south-southeastward of the basse. The leading mark for the 
passage between La Yarlingue and the shore leads westward of the 
basse. 

Piriac, a small port, nearly 1 mile northeastward of Castclli Point, 
is small, and dries 3 feet at low water. It affords shelter to fishing 
boats in southerly and southwesterly winds. With westerly and 
southwesterly winds the surf is very heavy, and the boats then take 
shelter in the ports of Lera or Turballe. 

Light. —A fixed white light, visible 7 miles, is shown, at an eleva¬ 
tion of 23 feet above high water, from a white iron column, 19 feet 
high, at the end of Piriac Jetty. The light is unwatched. 

lie Dumet—Buoy.—This isle, lying northwestward 3.2 miles from 
Castelli Point, is low, barren, and not more than 4 mile in extent. Its 
only building is an old whitewashed fort on its northern end. It can 
be approached on its southern and western sides to -J mile, but rocks 
extend 1£ miles northward and eastward from it. Their eastern ex¬ 
tremity is marked b}^ a conical black buoy with a cylindrical top 
mark, moored northeastward of a patch of 1£ fathoms. 

Light .—An unwatched fixed green light, visible 3 miles, is exhib¬ 
ited from the terrace of the fort on He Dumet. It is exhibited 41 
feet above the sea from a white, cast-iron column 18 feet high. (See 
Light List.) 

Clearing marks.—The mill of Penharan in line with Rohtres 
Beacon Tower bearing 155° leads eastward. The Moulin de Pont 
Mahe in line with the south side of lie du Bile bearing 65° leads 
southward; and Bats Steeple open southward of the hospital of Pen 
Bron bearing 140° leads westward of the dangers extending from 
I’lle Dumet. 

Entrance to La Vilaine—Landmarks.—The best landmarks at 
the entrance to this river are: In the northern part, the fort on Pointe 
de Kervoyal; the white wall beacon and the chapel of Cromenar; the 
white lighthouse of Penlan; the high steeple of Billiers; the large 
mill of TAvalac; a white wall 800 yards eastward of Penlan Light¬ 
house ; and the dome of the ruins of the ancient abbey of Prieres. 

The left bank of the river is lower than the right. On the left is 
the slender spire of Pennetin Church and two white mills. 

Light.—On Penlan Point, north side of the entrance, from a 
white square turret with main building, 39 feet in height, surrounded 
by a large wall, also white, is exhibited, 68 feet above high water, a 
fixed white, red, and green light. The white light is visible 13 miles, 
the red light 9 miles, and the green light 7 miles. 

Dangers—North side of entrance.—About 3.5 miles westward 
from the mouth of the Vilaine River the water becomes shoal, and the 
depth decreases from 3 fathoms at that distance to 1 fathom or less 
within the space of 2 miles. 


LA VILAINE RIVEK. 


231 


Basse de Kervoyal—Tower.—About 1.7 miles northeastward of 
the Plateau des Mats, and extending 700 yards off Kervoyal Point, 
is Basse de Kervoyal, a rocky bank marked on its southern end by a 
black beacon tower with a cylindrical topmark 18 feet above high 
water. 

Basse Bertrand—Tower.—Basse Bertrand, 1.5 miles east-north¬ 
eastward of Kervoyal Point, is marked by a red beacon tower with 
a conical topmark. Men Toul Rock, £ mile east-northeastward of 
Basse Bertrand and near the shore, has a red beacon on it. 

La Grande Accroche, a large flat with 5 feet of water on it, lies 
southwestward of the river entrance. 

South side—Tower.—Les Roches de l’lle, about 400 yards off 
Halguen Point, are marked on their western side by a red beacon 
tower with a* conical topmark. 

La Varlingue consists of 2 rocks lying 800 yards off the northwest 
part of Pointe du Halguen and 700 yards north-northwestw T ard of 
the red beacon tower just mentioned. The southern rock dries 1 foot 
and the northern is awash at lowest water. The passage between 
these rocks and the point has a least depth of 6 feet at low water. 

Petit Sece—Tower.—Petit Sece, a rocky ledge lying 600 yards 
northeastward of the eastern part of Pointe du Halguen, dries 7 feet 
and is marked at its northern end by a red beacon tower. 

La Vilaine River rises near Vitre, in the Department of Mayenne, 
and it takes a westerly course to Rennes; thence it flows in a south¬ 
westerly direction, passing the towns Redon and Roche Bernard, 
and discharges into the sea between Penlan on the north and Pointe 
du Halguen on the south, a little more than a mile apart. Its length 
is 135 miles, of which 90 are navigable. 

Bar—Depths.—The entrance to the Vilaine is obstructed by a bar, 
on which the greatest depth is 1 fathom and general depth 5 feet 
at lowest water, extending from Pointe de Kervoyal to Pointe du 
Halguen and including the Grande Accroche Flat, previously men¬ 
tioned. In strong southwesterly winds, and especially with an ebb 
tide, the sea breaks heavily right across the entrance between the 
points referred to. At such times the passage between La Varlingue 
and Pointe du Halguen should be used, as in it less sea will be found 
lhan northward of the Grande Accroche, and also a foot more water. 

Between the bar and Trehiguier the channel of the river lies be¬ 
tween shoal flats, which extend as much as J mile from the shore on 
either side; that on the northern side dries in places, that on the 
southern side almost entirely at low water. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at the entrance to 
Vilaine River at 3h. 40m.; springs rise 18J feet, neaps 14J feet, above 

lowest water. 

21235 °— 17-—16 



t 


232 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

Trehiguier, on the south bank, about 3 miles from the sea, is only 
frequented by coasters and offers no resources. Vessels bound up the 
river generally stop here to take a pilot and Avait tide. 

Range lights.—Front: On Pointe du Seal, a little westward of 
Trehiguier, a fixed white light, visible 8 miles, is exhibited 25 feet 
above high water, from a small white turret, 12 feet in height. (See 
Light List.) 

Rear: Four hundred and eighty yards 112° from the preceding 
lighthouse is a square white turret with main building, 43 feet in 
height, from which a fixed red light, visible 9 miles, is exhibited 68 
feet above high water, but its power decreases on each side of the 
leading line. (See Light List.) 

Pilots are stationed at Trehiguier, which station extends eastward 
of a line from Penerf, through He Dumet, to Pointe du Castelli. 
Pilotage is compulsory in the Vilaine River, between the entrance 
and Redon, for all vessels of and above 8J feet draft. 

Directions.—The best passage from the westward to the Vilaine 
River is between the Cardinaux and the Plateau du Four and north 
of Dumet Isle. Steer for a position about 2 miles southwestward of 
Grands Cardinaux Lighthouse, then to about the same distance north¬ 
westward of Dumet Isle, whence make a direct course to the entrance 
of the river, bringing Prieres Abbey tower just open northward of 
Penlan Lighthouse as soon as it is seen. 

The tower of Prieres Abbey, just open northward of Penlan Light¬ 
house, leads northwestward of the Grande Accroche Shoals in a depth 
of not less than 5 feet at low water; then Kervoyal Beacon tower, in 
line with Bile Mill (a small white mill on Pointe du Bile, eastward 
of Penerf), astern, bearing 274°, leads into the river until Trehiguier 
Lighthouses are in line, bearing 112°, which lead to about 200 yards 
from Seal Point. 

To pass between La Varlingue Rocks and the land, the mill of 
l’Avec, the tower of the abbey of Prieres, and the white wall east¬ 
ward of Penlan Point, in line, bearing 25°, lead through in 6 feet at 
lowest water, and when Kervoyal Beacon Tower and Bile Mill come 
into line, proceed as before directed. The services of a pilot are 
indispensable. 

Roche Bernard is 9 miles from the sea, on the left bank of the 
Vilaine, which is here crossed by a suspension bridge (the height of 
its roadway above high water is 108 feet). It is frequented by 
vessels to load with corn and pit props. Provisions, water from 
wells, and a little coal can be obtained here. There is a post and 
telegraph office. 

Anchorage.—There is anchorage off Roche Bernard in from 16 
to 19 feet, in the middle of the river. 


LA V1LAINE RIVER. 


233 


At low-water neaps vessels of nearly 10 feet draft can reach this 
anchorage from Trehiguier, and those of 10 feet draft at high-water 
springs. 

Redon, 39 miles from Rennes, has a considerable foreign and 
coasting trade. Vessels- of 13 feet draft can ascend the river to 
Redon at springs and enter the basin, which also connects with the 
Nantes-Brest Canal by a lock. The population is 6,575, and there 
is railway, post, and telegraph communication. A tug runs to 
Trehiguier. Provisions and water can be procured, but no coal, 
unless from the railway. 

Basin.—Redon has a wet dock or basin. (For details, see Appen¬ 
dix II.) 

Rennes is a place of considerable trade. It is situated on the 
slopes and foot of a hill, at the contluence of the rivers Ille and 
Vilaine. Its principal manufactures are hosiery, sail canvas, crock¬ 
ery. leather, and agricultural implements. It is the seat of an arch¬ 
bishop, the headquarters of an army corps, and has a population of 
79,372 (1911). There is railway communication and there is a canal 
to St. Malo. The mean temperature for the year is 53° F.; for 
January, 40°, and for July 66°. 


i 




CHAPTER IV. 


POINTE 1)U CROISIC TO POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU, INCLUDING 
THE LOIRE RIVER AND THE ILE D’YEU. 

Approach to the Loire—Soundings.—In thick weather or fog, 
which is very frequent at the entrance of the Loire, soundings should 
be taken at regular distances apart and sufficiently close to each 
other, commencing at a considerable distance from the land. 

The line of soundings of 100 fathoms from La Chapelle Bank to 
the latitude of the He de Be follows a direction almost parallel to the 
coast, and is found at about 120 miles westward of Belle lie and 100 
miles westward of the lie d’Yeu, in the latitude of those islands, the 
bottom being gray sand and broken shells. The line of soundings 
of 50 fathoms passes about 12 miles westward of Penmarc’h, cuts the 
parallel of Belle lie at about 15 miles from that isle, and the parallel 
of the lie d’Yeu at 25 miles from it, the bottom being soft mud 
mixed with fine gray sand. 

Between these lines of 100 fathoms and 50 fathoms the depth de¬ 
creases irregularly. The bottom is muddy sand mixed with gravel 
from seaward to 45 miles from Belle He and 50 miles from the lie 
d’Yeu. It then becomes very soft mud and fine gray sand, which 
scarcely adheres to the lead. This remarkable bed of soft mud ex¬ 
tends to 15 miles from Belle lie and 24 miles from the lie d’Yeu. 
In its eastern part the mud is harder, and eastward of it the bottom 
is grayish sand mixed with gravel and broken shells. 

Channels.—The approach to the mouth of the Loire from seaward 
is divided into 2 channels by the Banelie and Lambarde Shoals. 
The northern channel, the Chenal du Nord, is about 11 miles in 
length in a southeasterly direction from Pointe du Croisic to Le 
Grand Charpentier, with a width of 2.2 miles at the eastern end. 

The Grand Chenal de la Loire (Chenal du Sud) takes a northeast- 
erlv direction from sea, between the Lambarde Shoal on the west 
and the banks extending westward from He de Noirmoutier and the 
Shoals la Couronnee and Le Chatellier on the east. Its least width 
is 1.7 miles between La Lambarde and Le Chatellier Shoals. 

Depths.—The least depth, as charted, that must be passed over 
between the sea and St. Nazaire is 2J fathoms at lowest water, nearly 
5J at high-water springs, and 5 fathoms at high-water neaps on the 

235 



236 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

bar from 4 to 5 miles below that town. Above St. Nazaire the bed 
of the Loire dries in places at low water. (See Loire River above 
St. Nazaire.) The least depth in the Chenal du Nord is 3J fathoms 
at lowest water, nearly 6f fathoms at high-water springs, and 6 
fathoms at high-water neaps at the eastern end. The Grand Chenal 
is deep until between La Lambarde and Le Chatellier, when it shoals 
gradually from about 6 fathoms up to the bar, 3 miles distant. 

The coast from Pointe du Croisic to Pointe du Pain Chateau is 
almost straight, bluff, and tolerably steep. It then trends northward 
for about 1 mile to the port of Le Pouliguen, from which it curves 
eastward and southeastward for 3.5 miles to Pointe du Be and Por- 
nichet, forming a shallow bay, and southeastward 2.3 miles farther 
to Pointe de Chemoulin, at the entrance of the Loire. 

Landmarks.— Besides the marks already mentioned the following 
are noticeable: The large house of La Barriere, with a bell turret, 
surrounded by a wall, and built near the sea about 1 mile westward 
of Bats; Iver Vallee Mill, \ mile eastward of Bats; the mill and the 
calvary of Codan. 

On the shores of Baie du Pouliguen are: Le Pouliguen Church 
spire and a tall chimney a short distance northeastward of it; the 
village of La Baule on the northern side of the bay, eastward of Le 
Pouliguen; Falaise Mill, on top of the hills northward of Pornichet; 
the casino of Pornichet, on the shore; Chateau de Yautier, a house 
with 4 turrets, at the southeastern part of Pornichet ; the steeple of 
St. Sebastian Chapel; Poulhaut Mill, on top of the hills (which 
have an elevation of 127 feet) northward of Chemoulin Point; and 
3.2 miles northeast from that point the high spire of the Church of 
the Immaculate Conception. 

Port de Bats. —Some works have been made in a creek situated 
southward of Bats to give shelter to boats, but they are not able to 
stay there with winds from south to west. 

Chenal du Nord—Dangers north side—Basse Lovre—Buoy.— 
Basse Lovre, a rocky plateau with 2 heads having 3 feet over them 
at lowest water, extends 4 mile off the coast of Bats for about 1 mile. 
The southern head is marked by a black conical buoy with a cylindri¬ 
cal top mark, moored 300 yards northwestward of it. 

A shoal, with 1J fathoms on its outer part, extends over \ mile 
westward of Pointe de Vicherie. 

Basse Noire, a rocky shoal, on which the sea breaks in a heavy 
swell, has a depth of 2J fathoms, and lies 1,700 yards 233° from 
Pain Chateau Point. 

Clearing mark. —The semaphore on Pointe de Chemoulin, well 
open southward of Leven, leads southward of Basse Noire. 

Pain Chateau Point—Buoy .--A rock with 2 feet of water over 
it lies nearly 4 mile southeastward of Pain Chateau Point, off the 


LOIRE RIVER. 


237 


extremity of a rocky ledge extending from the point, and is marked 
by a black spindle buoy with cylindrical top mark. This buoy indi¬ 
cates the northern side of a channel leading to the Baie du Pouliguen. 

Baie du Pouliguen, between Pain Chateau Point and Pointe du 
Be, is sheltered to the northward by the land and to the southward 
by the chaussee, which extends 4 miles southeastward from Pain 
Chateau Point. 

This shallow bay is frequented by coasters going to Le Pouliguen, 
or which, owing to northeasterly winds, are unable to enter the Loire. 
Notwithstanding the shelter of the rocks, the sea is very heavy with 
southerly and southwesterly winds; vessels should then enter Le 
Pouliguen Harbor or take refuge at St. Nazaire. 

Dangers in the bay—Beacons.—On the western side of the bay: 

The eastern edge and northeastern extremity of a rocky ledge, 
which fronts the shore for a distance of J mile northward from Pain 
Chateau Point, are marked by beacons. 

Basse Martineau, which dries 1 foot, lies 800 yards eastward of 
Pain Chateau Point. 

La Yieille Plateau, which dries 2 feet, is marked by a white and 
black iron beacon with a diamond top mark. 

Les Impairs Bank, which dries 10 feet, is marked at its southern 
end by a red beacon tower with a conical top mark, 20 feet above 
high water, and at its northern end by a black wooden beacon with a 
cylindrical top mark, 9 feet above high water. 

Toward the middle of the bay is Basse St. Frangois, a rock which 
dries 2 feet at lowest water. 

The sand at the head of the bay dries out as far as the southern 
end of the Impairs, a distance of J mile. 

Le Pouliguen.—This tidal port, situated in the northwestern part 
of the bay of the same name, is frequented by yachts, fishing boats, 
and coasters, which load here with salt. The grounding places are 
of hard sand and gravel, and dry 6 feet, but a bank in the center of 
the port dries 7^ feet. 

Outside the jetties, near the entrance, the channel is marked on 
the eastern side by 4 red beacons, and on the western side by a black 
beacon on a rock. 

Light.—Near the inner end of the western jetty, from a white iron 
support on a white hut, is exhibited a fixed red light, 23 feet above 
high water, visible 3 miles. Outside the bay the visibility of the light 
is limited by Pain Chateau Point on one side, and by that of 
Chemoulin on the other. It assists anchoring in the bay, but not 
entering the port. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed at Le Pouliguen, where there 
is also a relief station for shipwrecked people. 


238 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

Pilotage. —Every vessel drawing 7J feet and above must take a 
pilot to enter or leave Le Pouliguen. Besides the pilotage of Le 
Poliguen the pilots of that station work with those of Belle He. Le 
Croisic, and St. Nazaire in piloting vessels at the entrance of the 
Loire. 

Directions. —Vessels with local knowledge obtain access to the 
Baie du Pouliguen through several of the openings between the 
groups of rocks extending southeastward from Pointe du Pain Cha¬ 
teau. Those from the westward may pass between the latter point 
and the Guerandaises Rocks. The passage is marked by a black 
buoy on its northern side, Falaise Mill bearing 64° in line with a 
house with a red roof (the second to the left of the Casino at Porni- 
chet). leads through. Or, between Leven Rock and Les Troves, with 
Falaise Mill in line with the southeastern end of the railway station 
at Pornichet, bearing 35°. The depth in these passages is greater 
than that in the bay within. 

Those from the southward may pass between Pierre Percee and 
Longue Folle, with Falaise Mill in line with the west side of Chateau 
de Vautier bearing 1°, which leads close westward of a 5-foot patch, 
until La Plaine Church is in line with Petit Charpentier Tower 
bearing 135°, which mark astern leads toward the head of the bay. 
Or eastward of Grand and Petit Charpentiers, and thence north¬ 
westward between La Vieille Beacon Tower and the shore. 

To enter Le Pouliguen vessels may either pass northeastward of 
Les Impairs or westward of La Vieille Beacon. A pilot is necessary. 

Tidal streams.— The velocity of the streams, both flood and ebb, 
between the jetties, reaches 4 knots an hour at half tide. 

The chaussee extending southeastward from Pointe du Pain 
Chateau is formed of the following: 

Leven is a bare rock about 18 feet in height. The shoal on which 
it is situated uncovers at low water for a length of about 600 yards, 
and it is surrounded by rocks extending | mile toward Pain Chateau 
Point, and which to the northwestward form the group of the Guer¬ 
andaises. 

Les Troves, of which the highest head dries 10 feet at low water, 
lie 1 mile southeastward of Leven Rock. 

Baguenaud is a bare islet 3 feet high. The Plateau on which it 
stands uncovers over a length of about 900 yards. On its northern 
side are the Oreaux Rocks, and on its southeastern side the Ronfle 
Rock, which dry 4 and 3 feet, respectively, at low water. 

La Pierre Percee—Buoy.— Pierre Percee is a round islet about 
27 feet in height and pierced from northwest to southeast by a hole. 
A pinnacle rock with 5 feet on it 200 yards north-northwestward of 
the islet is marked on its western side by a conical buoy, painted in 


LOIRE RIVER. 


239 


black and white horizontal bands with a diamond top mark. A rock 
with If fathoms over it lies 300 yards northward of the islet. 

Longue Folle is a rocky shoal with 5 feet least water on it. It is 
situated between Pierre Percee and the Grand Charpentier. 

Grand Charpentier is a rocky shoal of over J mile in extent, 
always covered, except in its central part, which dries, and is situ¬ 
ated nearly 1.5 miles 216° from Chemoulin Point. 

La Vieille—Tower—Buoy. —Midway between Baguenaud and 
the coast of Chemoulin are the Fromantieres, two rocky shoals dry¬ 
ing 1 and 3 feet, and southeastward of them La Vieille Pock, which 
dries 8 feet, and on which is a black beacon tower with a cylindrical 
top mark 20 feet above high water. 

A black conical buoy with a cylindrical top mark is placed about 
050 yards southward of the Vieille Tower, at the southern part of a 
plateau, on which the least water is 10 feet. 

Petit Charpentier—Tower—Buoy. —Petit Charpentier Bank lies 
1 mile southwestward of Chemoulin Point and extends eastward 
to the bar. Near the eastern end about 0.T mile southward of Che¬ 
moulin Point the depths are from 5 to G feet at low water. 

A white and red beacon tower with a top mark consisting of two 
cones joined by their points 21 feet above high water is on Petit 
Charpentier Rock on the western part of the bank 1 mile 225° from 
the semaphore on Chemoulin Point. 

Le Caillou, a shoal with 5 feet of water on it, 600 yards northwest 
of the tower, is marked by a conical red buoy,- with a conical top 
mark. 

Banc de la Barre, with a least depth of If fathoms on it, extends 
between the Grand Charpentier and the dredged channel of the bar. 

Clearing marks. —A vessel will pass southwestward of the dan¬ 
gers between Pain Chateau Point and Grand Charpentier by keep¬ 
ing the lighthouse on the latter rock open southward of Pierre 
Percee, bearing 117°, passing 400 yards southward of the Pierre and 
then keeping the tall chimney of Le Pouliguen open westward of it, 
bearing 316°. At night the white sector of Grand Charpentier Light 
leads southwestward of all the above dangers. 

Dangers—South side: 

Basse Michaud, a rock with 4f fathoms of water over it, situated 
midway between the Plateau du Four and La Banche, breaks in bad 
weather from seaward. 

Basse de PAstrolabe, a rock with 4£ fathoms of water over it, lies 
about 4 miles 267° from the Banche Lighthouse, and breaks heavily, 
with much swell from seaward. 

La Banche—Buoy. —La Banche, a rocky plateau, the central part 
of which lies 5 miles south-southwestward from Pain Chateau Point, 


240 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 


extends 3.7 miles northwest and southeast. Its principal sum¬ 
mits are: At the northwestern extremity, the Roche du Nord-Ouest, 
with II fathoms water on it, and marked by a red spindle buoy with 
a conical top mark moored about 400 yards northward of the rock; 
the Trois Pierres, in the middle of the plateau, the highest head of 
which dries 9 feet; the Turc Rock, in the southern part of the plateau, 
dries 9 feet, and is marked by a light tower; at the southeastern 
extremity is the Roche du Sud-Est, with 1 fathom on it. 

Wreck. —The wreck of the Carly lies on the Plateau de la Banehe, 
1,640 yards 303° from the lighthouse. 

Clearing marks. —Maude Mill, Chateau de Vautier, and Leven 
Rock in line, bearing 71°, lead 400 yards northward of La Banehe, 
in 8 fathoms water. 

Croisic church tower, open eastward of the house on Pointe de la 
Barriere, bearing 336°, leads eastward in about 5 fathoms; Poulhaut 
mill, open southward of Pierre Percee, bearing 50°, leads 300 yards 
southward in 10 fathoms; and Trescalan church in line with the 
house on Pointe de la Barriere, bearing 9°, leads 4 mile westward in 
10 fathoms. 

Escoublac church, open 1J° to the left of Pointe du Pain Chateau, 
leads over the Roche du Nord-Ouest. 

Basse du Turc, a rock with 51 fathoms on it, lies nearly 2 miles 
south-southwestward of the light tower. It breaks heavily with 
strong winds from seaward. 

La Lambarde—Buoys. —La Lambarde, a rocky shoal situated 
eastward of the Banehe Lighthouse and 3 miles southeastward of 
the Grand Charpentier, has a length eastward and westward of about 
1.5 miles, and its highest head, in the southwestern part of the shoal, 
dries at lowest water. A red spindle buoy with a conical top mark 
is moored on the western edge of the bank, and a green wreck buoy 
southward of the rock that dries. 

Light buoy. —A black spindle light buoy, exhibiting a fixed red 
light is moored on the southeastern extremity of La Lambarde. 

Clearing marks. —Aiguillon and Grand Charpentier Lights in 
line, bearing 53°, lead northwestward of La Lambarde in 4J fathoms. 
Poulhaut mill, open eastward of Grand Charpentier Lighthouse, 
leads eastward, and the Chateau de Prefailles, open southward of 
the semaphore on Pointe de Saint Gildas, bearing 112°, leads south- 
westward in 8 fathoms. 

La Lambarde is covered by a sector of green light from the light- 
house of Le Grand Charpentier, and by a sector of red light from La 
Banehe. 

Grand Chenal de la Loire or Chenal du Sud: 

Dangers—Western side. —The dangers on the western side of 
this channel, the principal approach to the mouth of the Loire from 


LOIRE river. 241 

the southwest ward, have been described as on the southern side of 
the Chenal du Nord. 

Eastern side.— The dangers on the eastern side of the channel 
commence, when approaching from the southward, with the shoals 
extending westward from the northern part of the He de Noir- 
moutier. , 

Chaussee des Boeufs. —The northwestern side of Noirmoutier 
Island has rocky shoals extending about 7 miles southwestward from 
it, named the Chaussee des Boeufs, which are considered very dan¬ 
gerous on account of the fog often experienced in this locality and 
of the tidal streams which set on them. 

Tower.—The large plateau, Les Boeufs, partly uncovers at low 
water, and is marked toward its southwestern extremity by a red 
beacon tower, *23 feet above high water, and furnished with an auto¬ 
matic apparatus for sounding a bell. This tower is built on Le 
Bavard Rock, which dries 8 feet, and is situated 3 miles 236° from 
Pointe de Devin, the western point of Noirmoutier. 

Light and bell buoy. —About 1 mile outside the southwestern 
extremity of the shoals of the chaussee is a red light and bell buoy, 
showing a fixed white light, visible 13 miles. This buoy lies in 
about 10 fathoms water, 8 miles 238° from Pointe de Devin, and is 
a starboard mark of the Grand Chenal of the Loire, entering. 

A wreck buoy lies nearly 0.9 mile 275° from Le Bavard Tower. 

Clearing marks. —The Church of St. Sauveur, lie d’Yeu, in line 
with the jetty lighthouse at Port Breton, bearing 155°, leads west¬ 
ward of these dangers; and the semaphore on Pointe de St. Gildas, 
in line with the lighthouse on lie du Pilier, bearing 41°, leads north¬ 
westward in about 5 fathoms. The tower on Grand Sece, just open 
of the southeastern end of Piliar Isle, bearing 44°, also leads north¬ 
westward, but in less water; and the 4 Nicou mills, open southward 
of Pointe de la Loire, bearing 65°, lead southward of the western 
extremity of the chaussee, but on this line the depths decrease rapidly 
toward the shore. 

At night. —The chaussee is covered by a sector of red light from 
Pilier Isle, and its southwestern extremity is marked by the light 
buoy above described. A vessel from the southward will pass west¬ 
ward of the chaussee by keeping Petite Foule Light (lie d’Yeu) east¬ 
ward of 1G0° until she has passed out of the sector of red light of 
Pilier Isle. 

lie du Pilier, lying 2.2 miles 294° from the northwest point of 
the lie de Noirmoutier, is situated on the southwestern side of a 
rocky bank, about 2 miles in extent, separated from Noirmoutier Isle 
bv the Chenal de la Grise. 


242 


POINTS DU CROISIC—POINTS DU GROUIN DU COU. 


On Pilier Isle are the old and new lighthouses and the slopes of a 
small fort. A jetty has been built on its eastern side. Pilot boats 
sometimes anchor northeastward of the isle. 

Semaphore. —Near the middle of Pilier Isle is a semaphore, which 
is elevated 37 feet above high water. 

Les Chevaux.— Northwestward of Pilier Isle Les Chevaux extend 
a distance of about 0.7 mile. These rocks dry almost entirely at 
low water and the highest parts are never covered, one head being 
19 feet high. 

Grand Sece—Tower. —About 1.5 miles northeastward of Pilier 
Isle is the Grand Sece, which dries 7 feet, and around which are 
several rocks, some of which dry at low water. Grand Sece is 
marked by a beacon tower, painted red and white in horizontal bands. 

Between the Chevaux and Grand Sece and f mile northeastward of 
Pilier Lighthouse is La Servante, a rock drying 3 feet, and at about 

1 mile eastward of Pilier Isle are the Petit Sece Bocks, which dry 
4 feet. , 

La Couronnee—Light buoy. —La Couronnee is a rocky plateau 
extending about 1.5 miles west and east, situated 2 miles west-south- 
westward of Pointe de St. Gildas. The highest part dries 6 feet, 
and with much swell or bad weather from seaward the sea breaks 
heavily on the shoal. 

A light buoy, painted red and exhibiting a fixed green light, is 
moored about 600 yards westward of Basse Occidentale, the western 
extremity of the shoal, which has a depth of 4§ fathoms. 

Clearing mark. —The highest part of the western side of the Bois 
de la Chaise in line with the beacon tower of the Bodies des Peres, 
bearing 152°, leads westward of La Couronnee. 

Le Chatellier—Light buoy. —Le Chatellier, an isolated rock with 
a depth of 2 fathoms on it, lies nearly 3 miles 159° from the Grand 
Charpentier. The wreck of the steam vessel Chatellier , a short 
distance northward of the rock, is marked by a green nun buoy 
moored southward of the wreck. 

A light buoy, painted red and exhibiting a fixed green light, is 
moored westward of the rock. 

Les Jardinets Rocks form a patch about 4 mile in extent, situated 
2.3 miles 109° from the Grand Charpentier. The highest head dries 

2 feet at low water. 

Eastward of a line joining these rocks and Pointe de St. Gildas the 
water is shoal, and 1.7 miles eastward of Les Jardinets is Basse de la 
Truie, which dries 8 feet and is marked by a red and black beacon 
with spherical top mark. 

Lights. —The following lights are exhibited in the approaches to 
the entrance of the Loire Biver: 


LOIRE RIVER. 


243 


La Banche. —From a stone tower 90 feet in height, painted in 
white and black horizontal bands, erected on Le Turc Rock, southern 
part of La Banche, is exhibited, at an elevation of 73 feet above high 
water, an occulting white and red light, visible 14 miles. A masonry 
jetty extends about 200 feet northwestward from the lighthouse. 
(See Light List.) 

Life saving. —The lighthouse is furnished with a line-throwing 
gun. 

Fog signal.— In thick or foggy weather a reed horn on the upper 
gallery of the lighthouse is sounded. 

Le Grand Charpentier.— On the central part of ,the Grand 
Charpentier is exhibited, at an elevation of 76 feet above high water, 
from a gray cylindrical tower 82 feet high, a flashing white, red, and 
green light, visible 14 miles. (See Light List.) 

lie du Pilier. —On the northwestern point of Pilier Isle is exhib 
ited, at an elevation of 105 feet above high water, from a square 
granite tower 99 feet high, a flashing white light, visible 16 miles. An 
auxiliary light, fixed red, visible 10 miles, is exhibited from the same 
tower at an elevation of 31 feet above high water. It is shown over 
the Chaussee des Bceufs. (See Light List.) 

Fog signal. —A fog trumpet, operated by compressed air, is 
sounded from the upper gallery of the lighthouse. 

About 46 feet northwestward of this lighthouse is the cylindrical 
tower of the old lighthouse, a little less in height than the new one 
and without a lantern. 

Life saving.— The lighthouse is furnished with a line-throwing 
gun. 

River Loire, the longest and one of the principal rivers in France, 
rises in Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Department of Ardeche, and flows 
generally northward and northwestward, past Roanne, Nevers, La 
Charite, Cosne, and Gien, to Orleans, where it turns westward and, 
passing Beaugency, Blois, Amboise, Tours, Saumur, Ancenis, Nantes, 
and Paimbceuf, enters the bay below St. Nazaire. Its length is about 
600 miles, and it is generally rapid. It becomes properly navigable at 
Roanne, which is 450 miles above its mouth, but navigation is inter-, 
rupted five to six months of the year from want of water, overflow¬ 
ing, and freezing. 

The entrance to the Loire River lies between Pointe de Chemou- 
lin. on the north, and Pointe de St. Gildas, on the south, nearly 6.5 
miles apart. Abreast St. Nazaire, 5 miles above the entrance, the 
width of the river contracts to little more than 1 mile, the estuary 
below being mainly occupied by shoal banks. The town of St. 
Nazaire is situated on the right or northern bank of the river, and the 
channel leading to it from the entrance lies along the same bank. 


244 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

Point de Chemoulin—Semaphore. —On Pointe de Chemoulin, 
the northern entrance point of the Loire River, on the edge of the 
cliff, is a semaphore, 102 feet above high water. The keeper’s house 
is painted yellow, the mast black. 

Northern shore—Aspect. —The coast from Chemoulin Point to 
Pointe de l’Eve and thence to La Ville-es-Martin, about 1.5 miles 
southwestward of St. Nazaire, is high, hilly, and terminates in broken 
cliffs, from which rocks extend about 300 yards. Between St. Marc 
and La Ville-es-Martin the shore is fronted by a bank of sand and 
mud, which dries at low water. The semaphore and lighthouses fur¬ 
nish excellent landmarks. 

Tower.—A black conical beacon tower has been built at St. Marc 
to mark the southern end of a mole sheltering the small bay from the 
westward. 

Between La Ville-es-Martin and the western jetty of the new outer 
port of St. Nazaire the coast forms a bight about 700 yards in depth, 
almost entirely occupied by Le Grand Traict and Le Petit Traict 
Banks, which dry at low water. 

Southeastern shore. —Pointe de St. Gildas, the southern en¬ 
trance point of the mouth of the river, lies nearly 6.5 miles south¬ 
ward of Chemoulin Point, and the shore curves irregularly about 9 
miles northeastward to Pointe de Mindin, on which are a fort and 
signal staff, 1.1 miles 100° from the old mole of St. Nazaire. For 3 
miles northeastward of Pointe de St. Gildas rocky ledges extend about 
J mile from the shore in places, and in the bight southward of Le 
Ponteau, a point of land 7 miles northeastward of St. Gildas Point, 
a bank with less than 1 fathom on it extends off from 1 to 2.5 miles. 
On it are Les Malfinches, a group of rocks 1,400 yards from the shore. 

The Banc du Pointeau, the greater part of which dries at low 
water, extends about 1.7 miles southwestward from abreast the point 
of that name, and a rocky ledge, the highest part of which dries 12 
feet, extends 800 yards northward. 

About J mile southward of Le Pointeau, near which is a kiosk, is 
St. Brevin l’Ocean, with a casino and chapel, and 1,600 yards north¬ 
eastward of the point is the village of St. Brevin, with a church and 
belfry. Abreast St. Brevin the sand dries out for 700 yards at low 
water. 

Semaphore. —A semaphore is established in a conspicuous posi¬ 
tion at the extremity of Pointe de St. Gildas. The house is white, the 
mast black. 

Outer anchorage. —While waiting water to cross the bar, vessels 
anchor in 4£ fathoms at lowest water, sand, with the Commercial 
Tower open southward of Aiguillon Lighthouse, and Pierre Percee 
open southwestward of Grand Charpentier Lighthouse. 


LOIRE RIVER. 


245 


B&r—Depth.—A bank, formed of muddy sand, extends across the 
entrance of the river, joining the Banc du Petit Charpentier to the 
shoals of mud and sand which fill up the eastern part of the entrance. 
In bad weather from the southwestward, particularly on the ebb, this 
bar breaks along its whole extent, but it is sheltered by the outside 
rocky shoals from the ground swell coming from the westward, and 
it is not dangerous from half flood until high water. 

Passe des Charpentiers. —A straight channel, about 330 feet in 
width, with a depth of 2J fathoms at the lowest water, as charted, 
has been dredged over the bar, which is about j mile across, render¬ 
ing the passage over it practicable in all weathers at high water to 
ships of heavy draft and at low water to those of moderate draft. 
It is proposed to deepen the channel to 23 feet at low water, and 
dredging is in progress. 

Channel to St. Nazaire—Depths. —From the bar the buoyed 
channel continues in a north-northeasterly direction for about 1.2 
miles, with a width of 300 yards and depths of from 3J to 8 fathoms, 
passing within 400 yards of Pointe de l’Eve. It then curves to the 
eastward for J mile, following the trend of the northern shore, from 
which it is distant 450 yards, until abreast Bonne Anse. In the curve 
the channel contracts in width to less than 200 yards in places, and 
the depths are from 3f to 4J fathoms in mid-channel. From abreast 
Bonne Anse its direction is eastward, and it is wider with deeper 
water to La Yille-es-Martin, around the rocks off which place it 
curves and takes a northeast direction, with 3J fathoms least water, 
to the Grande Bade, off St. Nazaire. 

Dangers.—Western side of channel: 

Bancs de Chemoulin and de St. Marc. —From Chemoulin 
Point to Pointe de l’Eve the shore is bordered by sandy shoals. The 
Banc du Chemoulin extends about ^ mile east-southeastward of 
Chemoulin Point, with depths of less than 1 fathom. The Banc de 
St. Marc, with depths under 2 fathoms, extends nearly 600 yards 
from the shore abreast St. Marc village. 

Buoy. —A black conical buoy with a cylindrical top mark is 
moored near the southeastern extremity of the shoals, about 1,300 
3 ^ards southeastward of Chemoulin Point. 

Trebezy Rock, 900 yards 53° from Aiguillon Lighthouse and 
350 yards offshore abreast Anse de Trebezy, lies near the edge of the 
channel. It has a depth of 4 feet over it at lowest water. 

Light buoy. —A light buoy, No. 7, painted black and showing a 
fixed red light, is moored south-southwestward of Trebezy Rock. 

La Rougeole, a rock always above water, lies 150 yards offshore 
abreast the eastern part of Bonne Anse. 


246 


POINTS DU CROISIC—POINTS DU GROU1N DU COU. 


Light buoy. —A light buoy, No. 9, painted black and showing a 
fixed red light, lies 300 yards south-southwestward of La Rougeole. 

La Ville-es-Martin. —Rocky ledges and shoal water extend 350 
yards southeastward from this place to the edge of the channel. 

Light buoy. —A light buoy, No. 11, painted black and showing a 
fixed red light, is moored off the southeastern point of these rocks. 

Les Vignettes—Tower. —These rocks, several of which uncover 
at low water, extend south-southwestward of the old mole of St. 
Nazaire, and eastward of the eastern pier of the new outer port. 
They are marked on their southern end by a black beacon tower with 
a cylindrical top mark, 16 feet above high water, from which depths 
of 6 feet extend eastward about 50 yards. 

Lastern side of channel—Le Vert—Beacon. —This rock lies 4 
mile northward of Les Jardinets, on the southern side of the bank 
forming the bar and J mile east-southeastward of the bar channel. 
It dries 5 feet and is marked by a red iron beacon with conical top 
mark 22 feet high. 

Bank. —From inside the bar, as far as to abreast Bonne Anse, the 
eastern side of the channel is bordered by an extensive bank, which 
occupies the central part of the estuary. Shoal spots with from 5 
feet to If fathoms lie near the edge of this bank, which is marked 
by 3 light buoys. 

Banc des Morees—Tower. —This bank uncovers at low-water 
springs over a length of about a mile in a north-northeasterly and 
south-southwesterly direction and its summit, situated 1.6 miles 
eastward of Pointe de l’Eve, dries 5 feet. At its northern extremity 
are Les Morees Rocks, which uncover 15 feet, marked by a red 
beacon tower. About 400 yards northward of the tower is a depth of 
2f fathoms. 

The tower should not be approached closely as rocks extend nearly 
200 yards north-northwestward from it and the ebb stream sets 
strongly on it. 

Banc de Mindin—Buoy.— This bank of sand occupies the middle 
of the river between Morees Tower and Mindin Point and has 2 feet 
on it at lowest water. It is marked on its western side by a red 
conical buoy with conical top marks. 

Haut-fonds de Mindin. —These shoals, with a least depth of 1 
foot at lowest water, form an extensive bank northeastward of the 
Banc de Mindin and lie off the point of that name. 

Light buoy. —A light buoy, painted red, exhibiting a fixed green 
light, is moored westward of the shoalest head, 950 yards 105° from 
the end of the old mole at St. Nazaire. 

Banc du Lazaret—Buoy. —This sand bank, the western end of 
which, in 1J fathoms, is j mile northwestward from Mindin Point, 


LOIRE RIVER. 


247 


lies northward of the Haut-fonds de Mindin. Its summit has about 
2 feet on it at low water. The northwestern edge of the bank is 
marked by a red conical buoy, with conical top mark, placed about 
i mile east-northeastward from the old entrance to St. Nazaire Basin. 
The bank is stated to be extending westward. 

Basse Nazaire, a rocky shoal with a least depth of 1J fathoms, 
about 400 yards long, north-northeastward and south-southwest- 
ward, lies southeastward of the old entrance to St. Nazaire Basin 
and nearly in mid-channel. Its southern end is about 300 yards 
from the end of the old mole. 

Light buoy.— A light buoy, painted red and black in horizontal 
bands, showing a fixed white light, marks the northern end of the 
shoal. 

Lights in the river—Aiguillon.— A fixed white light visible 15 
miles is exhibited, at an elevation of 90 feet above high water from 
a white circular tower 74 feet high, on Aiguillon Point. (See Light 
List.) 

The lighthouse is surmounted by a large white top mark in the 
shape of a truncated pyramid. 

Portce range lights are situated about 0.8 mile northeastward of 
Aiguillon Light, and, in conjunction with Kerlede Light, described 
below, lead over the bar. 

Front light: A fixed white light, visible 7 miles, is shown, at a 
height of 6 feet above high water, from a white iron house on a 
masonry base, 15 feet high, situated at the foot of the cliff. (See 
Light List.) 

Bear light: A fixed red light, visible 13 miles, is exhibited, at an 
elevation of 56 feet above high water, from a rectangular white 
house, with gable, 24 feet high, situated on the summit of the cliff 
25° from the front light, with which it is connected by a footpath. 
(See Light List.) 

At Kerlede, and 880 yards 25° from the rear light at Portce, 
from a white cylindrical tower, 88 feet high, with a dwelling near, 
is exhibited, 141 feet above high water, a fixed white light visible 18 
miles. (See Light List.) 

Between the two preceding lights is the Commercial Tower, an 
old cylindrical lighthouse, painted white, and preserved as a land¬ 
mark. 

La Ville -es-Martin. —At the end of a jetty extending from the 
low point, a flashing white light visible 11 miles, is exhibited, 33 
feet above high water, from a gray circular granite turret, 41 feet 
high. (See Light List.) 

Les Morees. —A fixed white and green light is exhibited at an 
elevation of 33 feet above high water, from the Tour des Morees, a 
21235°—17-17 



248 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

% 

red beacon tower, 48 feet high, on the Morees Rocks, which lie on 
the southeastern side of the river channel, abreast Ville-es-Martin, 
The white light is visible 7 miles and the green light 3 miles. The 
light is unwatched.. (See Light List.) 

St. Nazaire—Mole. —An occulting white light visible 10 miles 
is exhibited, 59 feet above high water, at the end of the old mole, 
from a round white tower, 50 feet high. (See Light List.) 

Outer port. —A fixed red light, visible 10 miles, is shown at a 
height of 36 feet above high water, from a white cylindrical stone 
tower, 26 feet high, at the outer end of the western pier of the new 
outer port. The light is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

A fixed green light, visible 4 miles, is shown at a height of 36 feet 
above high water from a white turret at the end of the eastern pier 
of the new outer port. The light is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

Fog signal.— On the head of the western jetty at the southern 
entrance to the outer port, a fog bell worked by electricity is sounded. 
This signal is only made at night from 2J hours before to 2J hours 
after high water; and by day from 6 a. m. to 6 p. m. from March 
to October, and from 7 a. m. to 6 p. m. from November to February. 

Old entrance to basin: A fixed red light is exhibited, 31 feet above 
high water, on the south dock entrance jetty, from a white cylindrical 
turret 27 feet high. A-fixed green light is exhibited, 36 feet above 
high water, on the north dock entrance jetty, from a white octagonal 
turret 32 feet high. (See Light List.) 

Buoyage of channel—Light buoys.— From the outer part of 
the bar to abreast the old entrance to St. Nazaire Basin the channel 
is indicated by 13 light buoys, of which 6 are painted red, each show¬ 
ing a fixed green light; 6 are painted black, each showing a fixed red 
light; and 1 painted red and black in horizontal bands, showing a 
fixed white light on a middle ground. The red buoys with the green 
lights are left on the starboard hand entering, and the black buoys 
with the red lights on the port hand. The light buoys are placed as 
follows: 

The dredged channel of the bar is marked at each end by 2 buoys, 
of which one is black, the other red. 

East-southeastward of Point de l’Eve and in continuation of the 
channel are 2 buoys; one black, marking the edge of the shoals off 
the point, and the other red, marking the western edge of the bank 
on the opposite side of the channel. 

Red buoys mark the western edge of the bank on the southern side 
of the channel abreast Anse de Trebezy and the northern side of the 
same bank abreast Bonne Anse. 

The mark buoys and remaining light buoys have been mentioned 
with the dangers they indicate. 



LOIRE RIVER. 


249 


I he number and positions of the mark and light buoys are subject 
to alteration and are moved as necessary to meet the changes in the 
channels. 

Life-saving. —A lifeboat is stationed at St. Marc; line-throwing 
guns at the semaphore on Chemoulin Point, at St. Marc, and at Min- 
din, where there is also a relief station. 

Anchorage—Bonne Anse. —There is anchorage off this bay in 
34 fathoms mud, with Kerlede Lighthouse in line with the western 
side of La Rougeole Rock and the belfry of St. Brevin open twice its 
breadth northward of the Tour des Morees. It may be used in any 
weather, for the swell, being broken by the outer banks, is never 
heaey. 

Grande Rade, southward of St. Nazaire, has depths of 6 to 9 
fathoms, sand, mud, and gravel, good holding ground. The sea in it 
is never heavy, even in bad weather from the southwest, but the ebb 
tidal stream is very strong, especially in the western part of the 
anchorage, in the vicinity of the Vignettes and of the mole, and it is 
advisable to moor. 

The best position is in about 8 fathoms, muddy sand, with Aiguil- 
lon Lighthouse open its length southward of Ville-es-Martin Light¬ 
house, and the light turrets on the piers of the old entrance open 
eastward of the mole. 

Petite Hade. —There is also anchorage in 3f to 7 fathoms, mud, 
in Petite Rade, northeastward of St. Nazaire. The tidal streams are 
very strong in this road, which is often occupied by tugs and pilot 
boats. 

Prohibited anchorage.— Anchorage is prohibited to vessels of 
more than 114 feet draft in a space off the entrance of the port in the 
angle formed by a line from the end of the south jetty of the old 
entrance through Basse Nazaire Buoy, and Ville-es-Martin Light¬ 
house in line with the old mole end, except for vessels arriving before 
the closing of the gates and intending to enter the basin, but should 
a vessel remain after the closing of the gates the berth must be 
shifted. 

Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at St. Nazaire at 3h. 
47 m.; ordinary springs rise 17J feet, neaps. 134 feet, above the level 
of soundings, which is 1£ feet below low water ordinary springs; 
the rise in the highest tides is 18 feet 6 inches, and in the lowest 12 
feet above lowest water; ordinary springs range 16 feet, neaps 8J 
feet. The tide rises about 2 feet in the first hour, 3| feet in the 
second, 4 feet in the third, 2£ feet in the fourth, 2 feet in the fifth, 
and 1 foot in the sixth hour, in a tide of 15 feet. 

At the Grand Charpentier it is high water 14 minutes before St, 
Nazaire, 


250 


POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 


At the Grand Charpentier and in the northern part of the entrance 
the rise of the tide is about 4 inches less than at St. Nazaire, both at 
springs and neaps. The height of low water is the same as at St. 
Nazaire at springs; at neaps it falls about 4 inches less. The range 

of the tide is thus less than at St. Nazaire bv about 4 inches at 

• •/ 

springs and 8 inches at neaps. 

At St. Gildas Point and in the southern part of the entrance the 
height of high water differs little from that at St. Nazaire. The tide 
falls 4 inches more at springs and 4 inches less at neaps. 

The floods of the Loire have but a feeble influence on the tide at 
St. Nazaire, neither the time of high water nor its height change. 
Low water has a height more than usual, which varies with the 
magnitude of the flood. 

Tidal streams: —The flood stream arrives at the mouth of the 
Loire by the Chenal du Nord, or along the coast from Pointe du 
Croisic to Chemoulin Point, and by the Grand Chenal de la Loire 
(Chenal du Sud). 

At the entrance of the Chenal du Nord this stream meets the 
Plateau du Four, and there divides into two branches, one running 
toward the Vilaine and the other toward the Loire, passing between 
the shoals of the Four and the Banche. This stream runs northeast¬ 
ward until near the coast of Bats; it then goes along the land as far 
as the bar of the Loire. A branch fills the Baie du Pouliguen. 

In the Chenal du Nord the flood stream is not felt till half an hour 
after low water. This retardation increases eastward until it is one 
hour between Pointe de l’Eve and St. Nazaire. 

The velocity of the flood is at ordinary springs 1J knots an hour in 
the Chenal du Nord. It increases as the river is approached and 
reaches 3 to 4 knots between Pointe de l’Eve and St. Nazaire. 

In the Grand Chenal de la Loire or Chenal du Sud, in the vicinity 
of the Boeufs, at low water there is a weak stream to the northwest, 
which soon increases in strength, turning to the north and northeast¬ 
ward, and sets onto the shore while the water is rising at Brest. Its 
greatest velocity is 2^ knots an hour. It continues turning, and at 
high water sets southward with no strength. The ebb runs south- 
westward and afterwards westward. Farther in its velocity is about 
1 knot as far as Le Ponteau, and 1J to 2 knots between Le Ponteau 
and Mindin Point. The flood entering the Loire is first felt between 
these points. 

In the estuary of the Loire, below St. Nazaire, the ebb stream at 
first sets south west ward; then it turns west-southwestward at half 
ebb, and ends setting west-northwestward. Its velocity, which off St. 
Nazaire reaches 4 to 5 knots an hour when the river is in flood, de¬ 
creases westward, and is from 1J to 2 knots between Chemoulin and 
St. Gildas Points. 



LOIRE RIVER. 


251 


The banks of Mindin and Morees form a barrier dividing the 
mouth into 2 parts, and while in the western part the flood stream 
lasts 5 hours and the ebb 7 hours, in the eastern part the flood stream 
lasts 7 hours and the ebb 5 hours. It is necessary to watch a ship 
closely at the extremities of these banks. 

Pilots.— The pilots of the Loire have large cutters, which keep 
the sea very well, and often go as far as the Iroise for vessels from 
the northward. Three of these cutters cruise always in the offing of 
Belle He, and 3 at the entrance of the Loire from the Four to the 
Pilier. Generally a pilot may be found anchored in one of the ports 
of Belle lie, where it is easy to call him by signaling to the sema¬ 
phores. Those in the Chenal du Sud anchor sometimes under Pointe 
de l’Herbaudiere or Pilier Isle. 

The pilots of the stations of Belle He, Le Croisic, Le Pouliguen, 
and St. Nazaire take vessels to St. Nazaire and into the basins; as do 
also the pilots of l’Herbaudiere, in default of those of the 4 preceding 
stations, but only from Le Pilier and by the Chenal du Sud. The 
pilot of St. Nazaire who may be the first to board a vessel bound to 
the Loire takes her as far as Paimboeuf, hut he must indicate his 
presence on board by a signal, or, if a pilot of Belle He presents 
himself, he lias the right to take the vessel as far as Le Four. 

Loire River approach—Fairway reserved for traffic when 
submarine vessels are exercising. —When the flag with a yellow 
and a red horizontal stripe is hoisted at the signal stations or on 
the vessels escorting submarine vessels, to indicate that the latter 
are exercising submerged, all vessels wishing to enter or leave the 
port of St. Nazaire, Loire River, are earnestly requested to make 
use of the fairway defined below, in which submarine vessels are 
prohibited from exercising submerged. 

This fairway is limited as follows: 

On the north and east by the coast between Pointe du Castelli and 
Pointe de l’Herbaudiere (lie de Noirmoutier). 

On the west and south, by a line joining successively the following 
points: Pointe du Castelli semaphore, Du Four Lighthouse, Banche 
Lighthouse, Pilier Lighthouse, Pointe de PHerbaudiere. 

In addition to the above fairway, submarine vessels are pro¬ 
hibited from being submerged within 1 mile on either side of the 
line of the leading lights for South Channel; also on the line of 
Grand Charpentier Lighthouse, bearing 97°, which is the course 
followed by vessels coming from Belle Tie and bound for the North 
Channel of the Loire. 

Directions—From sea to the bar—Chenal du Sud.—From 
the northwestward or westward in a large vessel and in ordinary 
weather, having made Belle lie, pass southward of it, or through 


252 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

the channel to the northward, if convenient, then southward of 
Guerande Bank, and the plateaux of La Banche and La Lambarde. 
Then bring Portce and Kerlede Lighthouses in line, bearing 25°, 
which leads to the bar. 

In heavy weather, or if there is much swell, steer for Pilier Light¬ 
house, bearing 109° till Banche Lighthouse bears 47°, then steer 75° 
till the bar leading marks are on. 

From the southward, having made the He d’Yeu, do not biing 
Petite Foule Lighthouse, lie d’Yeu, southward of 160° till Pilier 
Lighthouse is eastward of 70°, to clear the Chaussee des Boeufs; 
then steer for a position 5 miles northwestward of Pilier Lighthouse, 
after which steer 53° and bring Kerlede and Portce Lighthouses in 
line, bearing 25°, which mark leads to the bar. 

Chenal du Nord. —If the weather permits Guerande Bank to be 
crossed, steer for a position 4.5 miles southwestward of Four Light¬ 
house, then 92°, passing northward of Basse Michaud and the 
Plateau of La Banche. When Four Lighthouse bears 295° keep it 
so astern; this leads to about a mile southward of Grand Charpen- 
tier Lighthouse; then steer eastward for the bar. 

From the westward and northwestward it is sometimes advisable 
to pass northward and eastward of the Plateau du Four. In this 
case, when southward of l’lnconnu Lock and Basse Hikeric, bring 
Four Lighthouse to bear 295° and keep it so astern, pass about a 
mile southward of Grand Charpentier Lighthouse and steer east¬ 
ward for the bar. 

At night—Chenal du Sud. —From the northwestward and west¬ 
ward steer for Pilier Light, bearing 109° till Banche Light bears 
47°, then steer 75° till the leading lights at Portce and Kerlede, 
bearing 25°, are in line, which leads to the bar. When approaching 
the line of the bar leading lights from the westward, care must be 
taken not to enter the sector of red light shown from La Banche 
Lighthouse over the Lambarde Shoal, until the vessel is eastward 
of the sector of green light from the Grand Charpentier. 

From the southward proceed as above directed for the daytime. 
(See also the clearing marks for the Chaussee des Boeufs.) 

A red sector of light is shown over the Chaussee des Boeufs from 
Pilier Light. 

Chenal du Nord. —If entering the Chenal du Nord, passing round 
northward of the Plateau du Four, reverse the directions given for 
approaching Le Croisic, and when the light on the Grand Charpen¬ 
tier changes from red to white, steer toward it, keeping just south¬ 
ward of the line of indecision between the sectors, bearing 111°. 
When Le Pouliguen Light opens out clear of Pointe du Pain Cha¬ 
teau steer more to the southward, so as to round Grand Charpentier 


LOIRE RIVER. 


253 


at the distance of about 1 mile; then steer eastward for the line of 
the bar leading lights—namely, Portce and Kerlede—bearing 25°. 
When passing the Grand Charpentier care must be taken not to 
enter the sector of red light shown from the Banche Lighthouse over 
the Lambarde Shoal. 

From the bar to St. Nazaire.—Although the following directions 
are given for entering the Loire, it is unadvisable to enter without 
a pilot. 

Cross the bar, on which the least depth is 2J fathoms at lowest 
water, with the 3 range lighthouses (the front lighthouse at the 
foot of the cliff; a white iron house 6 feet above high water; the white 
lighthouse on the top of the cliff; a rectangular building with a gable, 
both on the northern shore of Portce Bay; and the white, round 
lighthouse at Kerlede) in line, bearing 25°. This straight channel, 
which, after crossing the bar, passes little more than 100 yards west¬ 
ward of the shoal edge of a large bank, is followed as far as north¬ 
eastward of Aiguillon Lighthouse, and is marked by 3 black light 
buoys on the port hand entering and 3 red light buoys moored * 
abreast the black buoys on the starboard hand. The first pair 
of these buoys is on the outer side of the bar, the second on the 
inner side, and the third abreast Pointe de l’Eve. The buoys of each 
pair are nearly 300 yards apart. A farther black light buoy is 
southeastward of Anse de Trebezy. When about 400 yards south- 
southwestward from this buoy alter course to 45° for a red house 
750 yards northward of Ville-es-Martin Lighthouse, leaving Trebezy 
Rock Buoy to port and a red light buoy to starboard. When about 
200 yards past the last red buoy steer 64° for the point at Ville-es- 
Martin, which leads between the black and red buoys abreast Bonne 
Anse; then steer through the Chenal de Bpnne Anse with the Tour 
des Morees in line with the belfry of St. Brevin on the eastern side 
of the estuary, bearing 95°, until Ville-es-Martin Point Light bears 
27°; then steer 69°, leaving the black light buoy off the point on the 
port hand, and when the eastern point of Ville-es-Martin bears 349° 
steer 53°, which leads toward the entrance to the outer port, and 
also about 300 yards eastward of Vignettes Tower and to the anchor¬ 
age in the Grande Rade. 

To reach the Petite Rade, or the old entrance to the basin, vessels 
pass between the jetties and the Basse Nazaire. 

The least water passed over in the above route is on the bar, where 
there is a depth of 2} fathoms at lowest water, as charted. 

By night.—Cross the bar with the 3 range lights—the front fixed 
white light, the middle (rear) fixed red light at Portce, and the 
rear fixed white light at Kerlede—in line, bearing 25°, passing be¬ 
tween the light buoys, leaving the red lights on the port hand enter- 


254 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

ing, and the green lights on the starboard hand. About 400 } T ards 
from the fourth light buoy with a red light, which is southward of 
Anse de Trebezy, which position will be indicated by Les Morees 
white light becoming obscured, alter course to 45°, so as to leave that 
buoy on the port hand, and a light buoy with a green light on the 
starboard hand. As soon as Morees Light reappears steer 83°, leav¬ 
ing the green light of the light buoy off Bonne Anse on the star¬ 
board, and the red lights of the light buoys in Bonne Anse and off 
la Ville-es-Martin Point on the port hand. Round this last light 
buoy and steer 53°, anchoring in the Grande Rade, when the green 
light on the old entrance north jetty opens east of the light on the 
old mole of St. Nazaire. 

If bound to the Petite Rade, having passed the line of Aiguillon 
and Ville-es-Martin lights in one, steer 7°, with the green light on 
the northern pier of the old entrance well open eastward of the oc¬ 
culting light on the old mole, so as to pass midway between the en¬ 
trance pier lights and the white light on the buoy marking the Basse 
Nazaire. A vessel may anchor when northward of the northern pier, 
with the Morees and the old mole lights in line. 

A channel, named ChenaJ. des Morees in the French sailing direc¬ 
tions, leads across the bank which lies on the eastern side of the main 
channel between Pointe de l’Eve and Bonne Anse. To use it, having 
entered with the leading lighthouses in line, when eastward on Pointe 
de l’Eve keep the tower of Petit Charpentier just open of that point 
astern. This route leads 450 yards southward of Ville-es-Martin, 
having passed over a least depth of 2J fathoms at lowest water. 

By night proceed as above directed, and when the light on the 
Tour des Morees changes from green to white, abreast Pointe de 
l’Eve, steer toward it in its white sector, bearing 76°. When Ville- 
es-Martin Light bears 7°, steer 51° to pass between the red light of 
the light buoy off Ville-es-Martin Point and Morees tower to the 
Grande Rade. 

The port of St. Nazaire comprises an outer port and 2 basins or 
wet docks entered by locks. On the eastern side is a stone mole 
about 400 feet long projecting southeastward into the river to the 
edge of a bank dry at low water. At its extremity are a lighthouse, 
tide gauge, and signal mast. 

Outer port—Depths. —The outer port opens directly on entrance 
between the pierheads about 400 feet in width. The eastern about 
1,500 feet and western about 1,650 feet in length, which project 
southward from the south part of St. Nazaire, leaving an entrance 
between the pier heads about 400 feet in width. The eastern pier¬ 
head is painted red, the western black, and on each is & lighthouse, 
previously mentioned. 


LOIRE RIVER. 


255 


Tide gauges, painted in white, on each pierhead, indicate the 
height of the water, in meters and half meters, above the soundings 
on the charts. 

On the northern side of the outer port is the entrance to the South 
Lock leading to the St. Nazaire Basin. The northeastern and the 
northwestern angles of the port are covered by breakwaters, which 
converge to the lock entrance from about halfway along the two piers, 
making the maximum available width of the outer port about 790 
feet. These breakwaters uncover 3 feet, and are marked by masonry 
beacons, which are furnished with mooring bitts. On the eastern 
jetty is a tidal quay, 492 feet in length by 81 feet in breadth, along¬ 
side which a berth, 088 feet long by 98 feet wide, has been dredged 
to a depth of 4J fathoms at lowest water. A line of railroad is led . 
onto this quay. 

The depth in the remainder of the outer port is 3J fathoms at 
lowest water. The bottom is rocky. 

South Lock. —The lock connecting the outer port with St. Nazaire 
Basin lies in a north-northeasterly and opposite direction and is 
crossed by two swing bridges. (For dimensions, see Appendix II.) 

The South Lock is worked— (a) By day, from 3 hours before to 
3 hours after high water; (b) by night, from 2i hours before to 2J 
hours after high water. 

Old entrance—Depth. —The old or eastern entrance to St. Nazaire 
Basin from the river is between two wooden pile jetties, the southern 
of which curves southward. It is situated 400 yards northward of 
the mole and follows a west-northwest direction for about 700 feet 
to the East Lock, which admits to the basin. The depth between 
the jetties is 1^ fathoms, soft mud bottom. 

East Lock connects the St. Nazaire Basin with the river by the old 
entrance. (For dimensions, see Appendix II.) There is a second 
and wider entrance, closed by gates, situated close northward of 
the lock, but it is now disused. A tide gauge is placed at the en¬ 
trance of the lock. 

St. Nazaire Basin is northward of the outer port. It is of rec¬ 
tangular form, north and south. In the middle of the western side 
there is a recess, which is reserved for the tugs and colliers of the 
Compagnie Transatlantique. The quay situated northward of the 
eastern entrance belongs to the Government. (For dimensions, see 
Appendix II.) 

St. Nazaire Basin is entered from the outer port through the 
South Lock and direct from the river through the East Lock, and 
also communicates with Penhouet Basin to the northward by means 
of a lock. 

Penhouet Basin, northward of St. Nazaire Basin, and with its 
length in the same direction, is entered from St. Nazaire Basin, with 


256 


POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 


which it is connected by a lock. Communication frOm this basin 
with St. Nazaire Basin is made at high water in the daytime. (For 
dimensions, see Appendix II.) 

Port dues. —The port dues are moderate, and discharging and 
shipping of cargoes is effected with great rapidity and economy. It 
is customary to reckon the discharge of steamers at 200 tons per day, 
and sailing vessels TO tons. All vessels in the basins using a fire on 
board are obliged to employ a man as a fire guard. 

Docks. —There are three graving docks in the northern part of the 
eastern side of Penhouet Basin. (See Appendix II.) 

Pilots. —The pilots of St. Nazaire have charge of the movements of 
vessels in the basins and roads, and of their pilotage when sailing 
from the Loire, and, in default of pilots of the river, take vessels 
as far as Paimbceuf. The pilotage, including the movements in the 
basins, of vessels ascending the Loire belongs to the river pilots. 

Prohibited anchorage. —The limits of the area of prohibited 
anchorage are approximately— (a) On the east by an imaginary line 
drawn from the old entrance bar through the tower on Les Vignettes 
Shoal (about 200°) ; (b) on the south by an imaginary line drawn 
from the commercial tower to the red buoy marking Banc de Mindin 
(about 85°) d 

Signals prohibiting entry. —Series A has been adopted for the 
port of St. Nazaire. They are hoisted near the South Lock. 

In addition the following signals are made: 


Signal No. 1 with the na- 
national flag by day or a 
green light by night— 


Signal No. 2 as above—• 


All movement in the avant 
port, lock, and basin is in¬ 
terdicted for the entry of 
a man-of-war or mail 
steamer. 

All movement in the avant 
port, lock, and basin is in¬ 
terdicted for the exit of 
a man-of-war or mail 
steamer. 


Signals Nos. 1 and 2 simul- Suspension of all movement 
taneously— in the avant port to facili¬ 

tate the securing of a large 
vessel to the tidal quay. 

Signal No. 1 prohibits all movements in the basin, and vessels under 
way must stop and secure as soon as possible. 

1 \ beacon with triangular top mark appears to have been erected on the coast near 
V illes-es-Martin to mark the southern limit, but its position is not stated. 




LOIRE RIVER. 257 

Signal No. 2 prohibits entry of the avant port or anchoring before 
the entrance, within the following limits: 

On the east by the alignment of the north quay of the Old entrance 
and the Tour des Vignettes; on the south by the line joining the 
Tour du Commerce and the Banc du Mindin buoy. 

Signals for going alongside the tidal quay. —By day: Three 
flags hoisted vertically at the after masthead. At night: Three fixed 
white lights hoisted vertically at the after masthead. 

Daytime is considered to be from 6 a. m. to 6 p. m. from March 1 
to November 1 and from 7 a. m. to 6 p. m. from November 1 to 
March 1. 

Dredgers. —When dredgers are at work in the channel a red and 
white checkered flag is hoisted at the west pierhead. The dredger 
displays a green flag on the side on which vessels must pass. 

Signals indicating the weather in the offing are made on the old 
mole near the mast indicating the draft of vessels able to proceed to 
Nantes. 

Red flag over red pendant: The entry of the port is bad. 

Red pendant over red flag: Lifeboat is going out. 

No signal: Fine weather. 

St. Nazaire, on the northern side of the entrance of the Loire, is a 
town depending on shipping for its prosperity, and it is to be re¬ 
gretted that neither the number or tonnage of the vessels entering 
the port is increasing. It is becoming a great shipbuilding center. 
The industries are shipbuilding in steel, and naval and marine work¬ 
shops and foundries. Population, 38,2G7 in 1911. 

Trade—Shipping. —St. Nazaire is one of the principal ports in 
France for the importation of coal, 911,395 tons being imported in 
1908. Timber, iron ore, grain, wines, etc., are also imported. The 
exports are iron ore, coal, wines, brandies, pitwood, sugar, etc. 

The number of vessels of all nations which entered the port in 1911 
was G10 the aggregate tonnage being 713,605 tons, and the number 
that cleared was 686, of 771,148 tons. 

Every facility is offered vessels at the port in the way of quick 
discharge, but the customs formalities are of a very exacting nature. 

Hospital. —There is a good hospital, where seamen of all nations 
are admitted. There are no diseases against which special precau¬ 
tions are necessary. 

Communication. —Steamships of the Compagnie Generale Trans- 
atlantique leave St. Nazaire for the West Indies, north coast of 
South America, and Colon on the 9th of every month, and for San¬ 
tander, Coruna, Habana, and Vera Cruz on the 21st of every month. 
There is also steam communication with Liverpool fortnightly and 
with Newhaven weekly, leaving Nantes every Thursday. The 


258 POINTE DU CROJSTC—POINTE DIJ GROUIN DU COU. 

steamers of Messrs. Booth & Co., of Liverpool, call at St. Nazaire 
3 times a month on their voyage from Para to Liverpool. 

St. Nazaire is in connection with the railroad system, and there is 
communication by post and telegraph. The telegraph office is open 
until midnight. 

Repairs, etc.— Several establishments, especially the Chantiers de 
la Loire and those of the Campagine Generale Transatlantique, 
olfer all facilities for the prompt repairs of machinery and hulls of 
ships. The Compagnie des Forges de Trignac have also extensive 
ironworks. 

Besides the great shipbuilding yards, where ships and engines of 
all descriptions are built and repaired, there are also several private 
workshops. 

The administration des Ponts et Chaussees have an excellent serv¬ 
ice of divers, both in men and material. 

Alongside the basins are several steam cranes capable of lifting 
-iO to 80 tons, and numerous smaller ones, fixed, traveling, and 
floating. In the Penhouet Basin is a 180-ton electric crane. 

Supplies.— Around St. Nazaire Basin and on the western side of 
Penhouet Basin are water pipes, which supply water that is only fit 
for boilers and washing purposes. 

Drinking water, taken from the river and filtered, is supplied at 
about $1.25 per 250 gallons, by carts, if alongside the basins, or by a 
30-ton tank and tanks placed in lighters, if in the roads. 

Provisions and supplies of all kinds can be obtained. 

Coal.— About 59,000 tons of coal and patent fuel are kept in stock. 
It is taken in carts to ships in the basins and put on board by hand 
or by steam cranes. At the same time it can be brought alongside in 
lighters. Labor is plentiful and from 200 to 500 tons can be placed on 
board in an ordinary day's work. When required, coal is sent to 
vessels in the roads in lighters carrying 200 to 300 tons. About 
1.600 tons can be loaded in 24 hours. The coal wharf is 500 feet 
long with a depth of 20 feet alongside at low water, springs. 

Customhouse regulations.— Masters of vessels on their arrival 
must deliver to the vis.iting officer of customs a manifest of cargo 
and a list of all stores on board, and they are liable to be heavily 
fined for any errors or omissions in their manifest. 

Quarantine regulations.— Vessels from ports out of Europe or 
ports in the Mediterranean must be provided with bills of health 
indorsed by the French consul at the port of their departure. On 

arriving off the port they must hoist the quarantine signal and keep 
it flying until they receive pratique. 

Vessels in quarantine anchor in the great road of St. Nazaire. In¬ 
fectious persons undergo quarantine at Mindin Lazaret. 



LOIRE RIVER. 


259 


River Loire about St. Nazaire—Depths. —The river since 1840 
has been subject to great inundations, owing to the embankments 
having given way, and the soil brought down by its waters forms 
islands and banks, materially impeding the navigation and rendering 
the services of a pilot indispensable above St. Nazaire. 

The channel between St. Nazaire and Carnet, where the Maritime 
Canal begins, has a depth of 0 feet at lowest water, 28 feet at high- 
water springs, and 19 feet at high-water neaps. The bed of the river 
abreast the canal dries in places as charted, but is stated to be deep 
enough for vessels of 164 feet draft to pass at high-water springs and 
for those of nearly 10 feet draft at high-water neaps, so it is fre¬ 
quently used by vessels ascending to Nantes, and especially by those 
descending in ballast. By taking the canal a greater depth is ob¬ 
tained. Between the upper end of the canal at la Martiniere and 
Nantes the river is embanked, and the least depth in 1907 was 44 
feet at lowest water. 

Vessels can ascend to Nantes from St. Nazaire, using the Maritime 
Canal, of a draft in fresh water of 17J feet at neaps and 21J feet at 
springs. 

It is proposed to deepen the channel between Nantes and Angers. 
Works for deepening the Loire River between St. Nazaire and Nantes 
are in progress. It is intended to have a depth of 27 feet in the 
channel and also in the port of Nantes. A pilot is indispensable. 

Signals indicating the draft of water of vessels able to ascend to 
Nantes at the tide of the day, by the Loire River, are made at a flag¬ 
staff on the old mole of St. Nazaire. This information is also to be 
obtained at the pilot office at that place. 

Pilots are stationed at St. Nazaire, Paimbceuf, Basse Indre, and 
Nantes. 

Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at Paimbceuf at 4h. 
32m.; at Migron at 4h. 47m.; at Le Pellerin at 5h. 17m.; at La Basse 
Indre at 5h. 42m.; and at Nantes, 6h. 12m. 

Paimbceuf, a port 7 miles above St. Nazaire, formerly frequented 
by numerous vessels, has been almost entirely abandoned since the 
creation of St. Nazaire, and it is now used only by the coasters of 
the place and the steamers which run between St. Nazaire and 
Nantes. 

Dock. —There is a dry dock at Paimbceuf. (See Appendix II.) 
Vessels drawing 14§ feet enter at the highest tides. 

Canal Maritime de la Basse Loire—Depths. —In order to avoid 
the shoals in the Loire between He de Carnet and Le Pellerin, on 
which there are only 124 feet at neaps, a canal has been constructed 
on the side of the river and on its left bank about 9 miles in length. 
It begins at the arm of Carnet Isle, crosses Carnet Meadows for about 


260 


POINTE DU CROISIC-POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 


1,100 yards, follows the river, from which it is separated by a dike, 
for a distance of over 3 miles, crosses the meadows of Les Champs 
Neufs, and finishes along the branches of the river, named Buzay and 
Ceps. The depth of water in the canal is 19 feet 8 inches, but the 
water can be raised if required for the passage of ships. Its width 
is ITT feet at water lever and-T9 feet at the bottom. The bottom of 
the canal is T feet 10 inches below zero. It is terminated at each end 
by an approach channel, the sides of which are formed by masonry 
quays, and by a lock, furnished with two pairs of floodgates and two 
pairs of ebb gates, worked by hydraulic machinery. Within the lock 
is a large basin where vessels wait entry into the lock to leave the 
canal. The width of the lock gates is 59 feet; width of lock, 131 
feet; length of lock, 328 feet; depth on inner sill, nearly 10 feet at 
low water. 

The dimensions of vessels allowed on the canal must not exceed— 
length, 393 feet; breadth, 52 feet; draft, 19 feet. In exceptional 
cases vessels of greater draft than 19 feet may be allowed to pass 
through, but 24 hours’ notice is necessary. 

To ascend to Nantes by the canal, a vessel drawing 16^ feet or 
more should leave St. Nazaire about 2 hours before high water so 
as to be at Carnet Lock about 2 hours before high water there. The 
speed in the canal being 5 knots and the time taken at each lock 
20 minutes, passing through the canal will take 2J hours; and as the 
tide takes as an average 30 minutes reaching La Martiniere (at the 
upper end of the canal) from Carnet, the vessel will leave the canal 
at about a quarter of an hour before high water at La Martiniere 
and will be favorably situated to ascend to Nantes. 

Although a vessel of 144 feet draft can easily ascend to Nantes in 
a single tide, it is different coming down, even if starting from 
Indret. Vessels of much draft of water are not able to sail until the 
water is high enough to allow them to pass over the shallows above 
La Martiniere, and when they arrive at Carnet there is insufficient 
water for them to proceed, and the}^ must secure in the basin d’at- 
tente of Carnet until the following tide. Vessels pass through the 
canal by night as well as day. 

Indret.— About 5 miles below Nantes is Indret Isle, where the de¬ 
partment of the marine has a large establishment for the construc¬ 
tion of machinery and boilers for the French Navy. There is also 
every facility for repairs but no dock accommodation. 

The current here does not generally exceed 2 knots an hour at 
Indret, but in heaw floods it sometimes reaches 5 knots. 

Nantes is a flourishing commercial town, standing on the summit 
and ascent of a hill on the right bank of the Loire, 30 miles from 
its entrance, at the influx into it from the north of the Erdre River, 


LOIRE RIVER. 


261 


the junction of the two rivers being in the middle of the town. The 
Sevre Nantaise from the south flows into the Loire a little below 
the toAvn. Commodious quays extend about 2 miles along the Loire 
and on boch sides of the Erdre. Vessels moor with the port side to 
the quay and the starboard anchor down in depths of 10 to 23 feet 
at loAvest water. 

The river betAveen the Gare Maritime and the port office is being 
deepened to alloAv vessels Avith a draft of water from 18 to 20 feet 
to come alongside the quays without danger of taking the ground at 
low water. The minimum depth alongside will be 18 feet at low 
water. 

On the left bank of the Loire is a quay about 545 feet in length, 
with a depth of 20 feet alongside at lowest water. The quay is con¬ 
nected with the railroad system. 

A transporter bridge crosses the Loire at Nantes; there is a clear 
headAvay of 145 feet under it at high-water springs. The width of 
the river is about 220 yards. 

There is no home for sailors, except one strictly national in char¬ 
acter, but efforts are being made to establish a seamen’s rest for the 
benefit of British seamen. There are no special quarantine or cus¬ 
tomhouse regulations and no diseases against which special precau¬ 
tions are necessary. The average mean temperature is 54° and the 
average rainfall is 25.6 inches. The population in 1911 was 170,535. 

Repairs.—There are large shipbuilding yards, engine and boiler 
factories, especially those of the Ateliers et Chantiers de la Loire, 
Ayhich are on the left bank of the river, where iron vessels up to 6,000 
tons can be built and machinery made on a large scale. There is 
every facility for repairing machinery but not dry-dock accommo¬ 
dation and ships requiring repairs to hull must proceed either to 
Paimboeuf or St. Nazaire if the patent slip can not accommodate 
them. There are three stream shears of from 30 to 40 tons and 
numerous steam, hand, and electric cranes. 

Patent slip.—A slipAvay has been established at Chantenay on 
the right bank of the river. (See Appendix II.) 

Communication.—The Compagnie Generale Transatlantique has 
established a Aveekly line of steamers between Nantes and Newhaven, 
calling at St. Nazaire, leaving Nantes every Thursday; also three 
times a month between Nantes and Algeria, calling at St. Nazaire, 
Bordeaux, Oran, and Algiers. Tangier is called at once a month. 
Regular steamer communication has been established between Nantes 
and Guadeloupe and Martinique and twice a AA T eek with Bordeaux. 
The telegraph office is open until midnight. There is railway com¬ 
munication with all parts. 

Shipping —Trade.—During the year 1912, 906 vessels of an 

aggregate tonnage of 788,156 tons entered the port, 


262 


POINTE DU CROIS1C-POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 


The principal imports are wines, sugar, phosphate, pyrites, wood 
pulp, chemicals, manure, coal, timber, etc. The exports are purple 
ore, sugar, cereals, flour, manure, potatoes, building materials, etc. 

The chamber of commerce owns a 60-ton steam shears, an electric 
crane of 30 tons, a fixed crane of 15 tons, and numerous others of 
smaller power, both fixed and traveling. 

Supplies.— Provisions can be obtained. Vessels usually take 
fresh water from the river, but its quality is doubtful unless filtered. 
It is possible to obtain at Nantes better water for drinking, which 
is brought off in casks. The price of filtered water is $1.25 to $2 for 
250 gallons. 

Coal. —There are usually about 40,000 tons of coal and patent fuel 
in stock at Nantes. The coal wharf is 345 feet long and has a depth 
of 12 feet water alongside it. 

Current. —During floods the current has been observed to run 3 
knots an hour at Nantes. 

Canal from Nantes to Brest. —This canal begins (from the 
Loire) in the middle of the town of Nantes and ends at Chateaulin, 
where it communicates, by the basin of Port Launay and Chateaulin 
River, with the road of Brest. It meets the Vilaine at Redon, which 
permits communication with St. Malo on one side and Trehiguier on 
the other, and at Pontivy the Blavet, which connects that place with 
Lorient. 

Baie de Bourgneuf—Aspect.— Southward of the entrance of the 
Loire is the large bay of Bourgneuf, which is now frequented only 
by fishing vessels and a few coasters bound to Pornic or Noirmoutier. 

This bay is well sheltered from winds from north, through east, to 
south-southwest, but westerly winds, especially with the ebb stream, 
send in a choppy sea, which quickly becomes very heavy. Except in 
the northern part, where there are steep cliffs, which may be ap¬ 
proached to a moderate distance, the coast is everywhere very low, 
bordered by plateaux of rocks and muddy sand banks, which are 
increasing in extent. 

Landmarks.— The principal landmarks are: 

On the northern side of the bay the semaphore on Pointe de St. 
Gildas; the Chateau de Prefailles, constructed on the edge of the 
cliff and having a high conical tower; the white guardhouse of Port 
Min; Ste. Marie Church, near the sea, with a pointed spire; the 

belfry of La Plaine (of which only the lower part remains) covered 
with a small conical roof; Pornic Lighthouse and steeple. 

On the eastern side, the two mills of La Bernerie on a hill over 
the village, above which is the church; the spires of the churches of 
Bourg des Moutiers and of Bourgneuf; St. Cyr en Retz Church, 
about 3.5 miles from the sea and with a small conical roof, 


• BAIE DE BOURGNEUF. 


263 


On the southeastern side—Le Bouin Church, the large steeple of 
which has a low and conical roof, and the steeple of Beauvoir, l.T 
miles from the shore. 

lie de Noirmoutier. —This island, on the southwestern side of 
Bourgneuf Bay, is 10 miles long north-northwestward and south- 
southeastward, of irregular shape, low, and is separated from the 
mainland by a narrow strait named the Goulet de Fromantine. It is 
surrounded northward and westward by a chain of rocks, those on 
the western side named the Chaussee des Boeufs, and on its inner or 
eastern side by banks of muddy sand, which are increasing both in 
height and extent. 

The western coast of Noirmoutier, formed of low and barren sand 
dunes, is surrounded by rocks grouped under the names of Devin, 
Les Peignes, and La Loire, and south of the Chaussee des Boeufs 
shoal water extends about 5 miles off the island, which renders it 
unapproachable. 

Landmarks. —The steeple of Noirmoutier, Nicou mills, Pointe 
des Dames Lighthouse, Plantier Tower, and the Bois de la Chaise, 
the Mill de la Lande, and the old abbey of La Blanche are good 
marks from the bay. From seaward, in addition to the first three 
mentioned, the mills on the Pointe de la Loire may be recognized, as 
well as the He du Pilier, 2 miles northwestward of Noirmoutier, with 
its lighthouse and semaphore. 

Coast. —About 2.2 miles eastward of Pointe de ITIerbaudiere, the 
northwestern extremity of Noirmoutier Island, is Pointe des Charm¬ 
ers, surrounded by rocky ledges extending 800 yards offshore. La 
Teignouse Pock, "which dries 6 feet, lies 200 yards outside these ledges. 
Southeastward 1.2 miles from Pointe des Charniers is Pointe du 
Cobe, off which is Le Cobe, a rock which does not cover. Four hun¬ 
dred yards northeastward of Le Cobe is a rock with 5 feet water on it. 

Bois de la Chaise is the name of a thick wood on the northeastern 
point of the island, which is tolerably high. 

Dangers—Northern part of bay: 

Banc de Kerouars. —This large rocky plateau, on which there 
are several heads of from 3 to 6 feet, is situated l.T miles southward 
of Pointe de St. Gildas and extends about 4 miles eastward of La 
Couronnee. Between the Dvo reefs are some patches of'from 1^ to 
2| fathoms. 

Inshore of the Banc de Kerouars and J mile southward of the 
Chateau de Prefailles is a rocky shoal, with from If to 2J fathoms 
water over it. 

With much swell or bad weather from seaward both the banks of 
Couronnee and Kerouars break heavily. 

Clearing marks. —The highest part of the western side of the 
Bois de la Chaise in line with the beacon tower of the Roches des 


21235°—17-18 


/ 



264 POIUTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

Peres, bearing 152°, leads westward of La Couronnee and Banc 
de Kerouars; the mill northeast of La Bernerie in line with the bea¬ 
con tower of Notre Dame, bearing 95°, leads southward; the steeple 
of Noirmoutier in line with Pierre Moine Tower, bearing 204°, leads 
eastward; and Moutiers steeple well open northward of Notre Dame 
Tower, bearing 108°, leads northward. At night the white sector of 
Pornic light leads southward. , 

Notre Dame—Tower. —These rocks, situated 2 miles southwest- 
ward of Pornic, are marked on their western side by a beacon tower, 
painted in black and white horizontal bands, with a diamond top 
mark 21 feet above high water. Between this plateau and the Bank 
of Le Callou, which lies about 1 mile southeastward, are some de¬ 
tached rocks. 

Clearing marks.— Pornic Church and Lighthouse in line, bear¬ 
ing 55°, leads northwestward of Notre Dame in about 3 fathoms; 
La Plaine Church and a sandy beach about 0.6 mile westward of Le 
Port Min in line, bearing 333°, lead westward; and La Bernerie 
Church in line with Le Caillou Tower leads southward. 

Le Caillou—Tower.— The rocks of this name, situated 2 miles 
southward of Pornic Entrance, are marked on their western side by 
a black beacon tower with a cylindrical top mark, 25 feet above high 
water; the highest head dries 5 feet. Le Caillou forms the western 
part of the rocky shoals, the highest head of which dries 8 feet, ex¬ 
tending 3 miles from La Bernerie on the eastern shore of the bay. 

La Pierre du Chenal—Bell buoy.— This rock, about 0.8 mile 
southwestward of Le Caillou Tower, uncovers 1 foot at lowest water, 
and is marked on its southwestern side by a bell buoy, painted black 
and red in horizontal bands. A rocky patch, named La Mauvaise, 
with 5 feet over it, lies 1.2 miles 108° from Pierre du Chenal. 

Eastern part of bay—Beacons. —The eastern part of Bourgneuf 
Bay is shoal, with numerous detached rocks and rocky ledges, some 
marked by beacons, for which see the chart. 

About \ mile northward of the entrance to the channel leading 
across the mud to Le Collet Creek and on the edge of the dry mud, is 
La Northe, a rock drying 7 feet and marked by a black beacon. 
About 0.8 and 1.2 miles, respectively, northwestward from La 
Northe are Les Bceufs Est and Les Bceufs Ouest, 2 rocks just above 
low water. Le Rochas, also showing above low water, lies 0.8 mile, 
west-southwestward of La Northe. 

Roches de Rouin are rocky ledges, 3.5 miles in length, which ex¬ 
tend 1.5 miles from the shore at the head of the bay westward of 
Le Collet. Rinchau, the northern extremity dries 10 feet, and has a 
red beacon on it. Le Ringeau, with a black beacon, and Petit Oge, 
500 yards southward of it, with a red beacon, lie in about the center 



BAIE DE BOURGNEUF. 265 

of the plateau, abreast the Etier de la Louippe. La Perche, toward 
the southern end, has a black beacon. 

Between Rinchau Beacon and Le Collet and southward of the 
channel leading to that place are Le Fiol, Beranger, and Mouillepied 
Rocks, all marked by red beacons. 

Southern part of bay—Banc de la Blanche—Buoy.— This 
large sand bank lies about 2 miles northward of Noirmoutier Island 
and has a depth of 1 fathom on it. A red conical buoy with a coni¬ 
cal top mark is moored off its northern side. 

About 3 mile east-northeastward from the northeastern part of 
this bank is a shoal of less than 5 fathoms with a patch of 23 fathoms 
at its eastern end, about 1.5 miles distant from the Banc de la 
Blanche. 

Clearing mark. —The southern rock of Les Chevaux and the 
Grand Sece Tower in line, bearing 243°, lead northward of Banc 
de la Blanche. 

Basse des Peres—Buoy.— This rock, with 14 fathoms on it, 3 
mile 27° from the above-mentioned 23 -fathom patch, is marked on its 
southeastern side by a red conical buoy with a conical top mark. • 

Clearing mark. —Plantier Tower seen between Le Cobe and 
Dames Point Lighthouse, bearing 169°, leads eastward of Basse des 
Peres. At night the red sector of Pointe des Dames Light leads 
eastward. 

Towers. —Between the above shoals and Noirmoutier Island are 
numerous rocks, some of which are marked by towers, for which 
see the chart. 

Pierre Moine—Tower.— Pierre Moine is an isolated patch of 
rocks near the middle of the bay 2.5 miles 48° from Pointe des Char¬ 
mers and is marked by a red and black beacon tower with a spherical 
top mark 25 feet above high water. 

About 0.6 mile east-northeastward of Pierre Moine is a depth of 
3 fathoms, the northern extremity of a narrow bank extending 4 miles 
north-northwestward from the Preoire Rocks. On the northern part 
of the bank the depths are from 2 to 3 fathoms, but in the center 
there are only from 4 to 6 feet and less on the southern part. 

Rocky ledges—Beacons. —The southern part of the bay is filled 
with shoals. A chain of rocky ledges, several of which are marked 
by beacons, extends eastward for 4.2 miles from the southern en¬ 
trance point of the port of Noirmoutier. The highest parts are the 
Vendette and Preoire Rocks, which dry almost entirely at low water 
and are marked by a black beacon on the northwestern part of the 
Vendette and by a red beacon on the northeastern part of the Preoire. 
Le Goeland, 1.4 miles east-southeast from the Preoire Rocks Beacon. 



266 


POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 


is marked by a red beacon, and a shoal nearly awash | mile south¬ 
ward is marked by a conical buoy with conical top mark. 

Banc de Bourgneuf, 3.2 miles in length, west-northwestward 
and east-southeastward, of sand, mud, and shells, with, in several 
places, depths of 4 to 6 feet on it, lies in the eastern part of the bay, 
but westward of Le Fain. 

Between the Banc de Bourgneuf and the Preoire Rocks is the 
Roche des Fleurs, a shoal with 4 feet over it. 

Southward of these rocks the greater part of the triangular space 
between Noirmoutier Island and the mainland dries at low water, 
the highest part drying 13 feet. At about 2.5 miles northward of 
Pointe de la Fosse, the southeastern end of Noirmoutier Island, is a 
route across the bank, between the island and the main, fordable at 
low water, named the Route du Goa in the French sailing directions. 
This route, about 2 miles in length, is marked by black beacons, three 
©f which are provided with tops for the reception of travelers over¬ 
taken by the tide. Communication lasts from 3 to 5 hours, according 
to tide. 

Center of bay. —A bank of similar extent to the Banc de Bourg¬ 
neuf lies in about the center of the bay between that bank and Notre 
Dame and Le Caillou Rocks. It has general depths of from 2 to 3 
fathoms, but in the center part are shoal heads with from 5 feet to 
1^ fathoms on them. 

Lights—Pornic. —On the northern side of the bay and on the 
western entrance point of the port of Pornic, from a square white 
tower 44 feet high, with an attached building, a fixed white, red, and 
green light is exhibited at an elevation of 74 feet above high water; 
the white light is visible 12, the red 7, and the green 6 miles. (See 
Light List.) 

Port FHerbaudiere. —A fixed green light, 26 feet above high 
water and visible 2 miles, is shown from a black wooden gibbet 20 
feet high at the end of the mole. (See Light List.) 

Fog signal.— A bell at the end of the jetty is sounded in thick or 
foggy weather. 

Pointe des Dames.— In the middle of the Bois de la Chaise, on 
the Pointe des Dames, Noirmoutier Island, from a white square tur¬ 
ret 52 feet high, with an attached building, a fixed white and red 
light is exhibited at an elevation of 112 feet above high water. The 
white light is visible 16 miles and the red light 13 miles. (See Light 
List.) 

Noirmoutier.— A fixed white light, visible 7 miles, is exhibited 
at an elevation of 22 feet above high water, from a white iron pillar, 
17 feet high, on the eastern extremity of the jetty at the entrance to 
the port of Noirmoutier. The light is unwatched. (See Light List.) 



BATE PE BOURGNEUF. 


267 


L’Epois. —At the end of the east jetty of l’Epois, at the entrance 
of Le Dain,- one of the creeks in the southeastern part of the bay, 
from a white square turret, forming a gable, 15 feet high, is ex¬ 
hibited, 16 feet above high water, a fixed white lighf, visible 9 miles. 

Channels—Depths. —There is a channel f mile wide leading to 
Pornic, between the northern shore of the bay and the Couronnee 
and Iverouars Banks; also between the latter bank and Notre Dame 
llocks, 1.5 miles wide. In both channels the water shoals gradually 
to the anchorage off Pornic. 

The central approach to the bay is between the Couronnee and 
lie du Pilier, 3.2 miles apart, narrowed to 2.2 miles between the 
Kerouars Bank and the Banc de la Blanche, with depths of from 8 
to 11 fathoms. 

Chenal de la Grise—Buoy—Beacon. —This channel lies between 
the Pilier and Pointe de l’Herbaudiere, and has a least depth of 
1J fathoms at lowest water. A black conical buoy, surmounted by 
a cylinder, marks the southeastern extremity of Pilier Bank. A 
red beacon marks the end of the rocks off Pointe de lTIerbaudiere. 
From the center of the bay two channels lead to its southeastern part. 

Chenal de la Pierre, the northern of these, with depths of from 
31 to 8 fathoms, lies between Notre Dame and Le Caillou Rocks on 
the north and the bank in the center of the bay. The rock Pierre du 
Chenal, marked by a bell buoy, lies in mid-channel, but the deepest 
water is southwest of it. The width of the channel is about 0.6 mile. 

Chenal du Centre, lying southward of the central bank above 
mentioned and northward of the Banc de Bourgneuf, is about 800 
yards wide, and is deep, but across its eastern end is a bank with 1J 
fathoms least water. 

Pornic is a small tidal port on the northern side of the bay, at the 
head of an inlet, which dries 6 feet within the entrance points. The 
inlet has at high water a depth of 11 feet in it at ordinary springs 
and 7 feet at neaps. The entrance is beaconed. 

With strong westerly winds, and especially after heavy south¬ 
westerly weather, the sea breaks on this bank and the swell is felt 
at the head of the port. 

When unable to attempt Pornic, the fishermen enter the Ajise du 
Porteau, a mile to the westward. 

At the head of Pornic Port is a lock at the end of the canal of 
Haute Perche. The canal is 65 feet wide and 4 feet deep. 

A small quantity of fresh water can be obtained at Pornic. There 
is a railway by which coal could be sent if required, and there is 
communication by post and telegraph. 

Pilots. —Two pilots reside at Pornic and meet vessels in small 
boats. They work with those of La Bernerie for the pilotage of 
Bourgneuf Bay and its creeks. 


268 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

Life-saving 1 .— A station furnished with life-saving apparatus is 
established on the western entrance point of Pornic, and also at 
Prefailles, a little eastward of St. Gildas Point. 

Tidal signals. —Signals indicate the tide and remain hoisted 
while the water is 1 meter or more above a mark situated 4 meters 
above lowest water. The signal mast is near the lighthouse. 

Port de PHerbaudiere is a small tidal harbor on the north¬ 
western point of Noirmoutier. It is frequented by boats engaged 
in the sardine fishery, and sometimes by the pilot boats of the Loire. 
The harbor is sheltered by a bent mole 500 yards in length, but the 
surf is heavy when northwesterly winds follow bad weather from the 
southwestward. 

Beacons. —Two wooden beacons mark the extremity of the rocks 
on either side of entrance to the port—one, painted red, with a coni¬ 
cal top mark, north of the molehead, and the other, painted black,. 
with a cylindrical top mark, northeast of the molehead. 

Life-saving.— A lifeboat is stationed in the port of PHerbau¬ 
diere and will take off a pilot, if necessary, in bad weather. The 
boat can be put in the water at any time of the tide, but with much 
difficulty when the water is low. 

Port de Noirmoutier, situated southward of the Bois de la 
Chaise, eastern side of lie de Noirmoutier, is tidal, and dries from 6 
to 8 feet over the greater part of its extent. Coasters ground along¬ 
side its quays on soft mud, which dries 8 feet at low-water springs. 
On the northern side is the town and a vertical quay 350 yards in 
length. The southern side of the entrance is formed by a jetty, more 
than J mile in length, extending in an east direction from the shore. 
The inner part of the port being very narrow, vessels should be 
swung around when abreast the south jetty and hauled stern first 
along the north wall. Above where vessels moor is a sluice, used 
for scouring the channel at spring tides. 

Beacons. —The rocky ledges in the approach to the port of Noir¬ 
moutier—La Chausse, Goemonhour, Atelier, and Mariolle—are all 
marked by black beacons. The 2 Petiton red-and-black beacons mark 
a passage leading to the southern part of the bay, through a rocky 
ledge southward of the approach to the port, and 1 mile eastward of 
them a red beacon marks a similar passage southwestward of the 
Vendette Ledge. Both these passages dry 3 feet at lowest water. 

Creeks.— At the head of Bourgneuf Bay are several creeks lead¬ 
ing to the numerous salt marshes and which are frequented by fish¬ 
ing boats and a few coasters. 

Anchorages.— According to the weather and the state of the tide 
a vessel is able to anchor in Bourgneuf Bay in one of the following 
places: 



BAIE DE BOURGNEUF. 


269 


Off Pornic. —A vessel of small draft can obtain good shelter olf 
Pornic in northerly and easterly winds and in a depth of 2J fathoms, 
sand and mud, with Pornic Lighthouse and Church in line, bearing 
55°, and Ste. Marie Church in line with Moulin Neuf. Small vessels 
can go farther in but should keep the chateau at Prefailles open 
southward of the land at Porteau and not go eastward of Moulin 
de la Motte and Pornic Lighthouse in line. 

Southward of Pierre Moine. —There is anchorage in fathoms, 
sand and mud, sheltered from all but northwesterly winds, which 
cause, especially during the ebb, a heavy choppy sea, about mile 
south-southeastward of Pierre Moine Beacon Tower, with that tower 
in line with St. Gildas semaphore, bearing 341°, and Pilier Light¬ 
house in line with Peres Pocks Beacon Tower, bearing 268°. 

Mouillage du Bois de la Chaise. —This anchorage, situated be¬ 
tween the northeastern point of Noirmoutier Island and a bank 1 
mile off it, is well sheltered from southerly winds. Those from north¬ 
east through north to west-southwest cause much sea at high water. 
Anchor in a depth of 3^ fathoms, sand and mud, good holding 
ground, with Pilier Lighthouse and Pointe des Charniers in line 
bearing 282°, and La Plaine Church in line with Pierre Moine Tower, 
bearing 7°. Small vessels can anchor nearer Fort St. Pierre. 

Le Fain, eastward of Banc de Bourgneuf, offers, for an extent 
of about 1 mile in a northerly and southely direction, depths of 4^ 
to 8 fathoms, mud, where a large vessel can anchor well protected 
except from strong northwesterly winds, which cause a heavy sea 
notwithstanding the shelter given by the Banc de Bourgneuf and the 
shoals at the entrance of the bay. 

Chenal du Centre. —There is anchorage in 8 fathoms, mud, in 
the Chenal du Centre, northward of Banc de Bourgneuf, with Moulin 
de la Motte open eastward of Pornic Lighthouse bearing 0°, and St. 
Cyr en Retz Church open northward of Le Collet (and in line with 
the northern side of a wood) bearing 94°. With strong winds from 
seaward there is a heavy sea in this anchorage, especially on the ebb. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
Pointe de St. Gildas at 3h. 31m.; springs rise 17 feet, neaps 13J feet. 
At Pornic, at 3h. 37m. ; springs rise 17J feet, neaps 13J feet. At Le 
Fain, at 3h. 42m.; springs rise 17^ feet, neaps 13J feet. These heights 
are above the level of soundings, which, at Pointe de St. Gildas, is 
1 foot; at Pornic, 8 inches; and at Le Fain, 4 inches below that of 
low-water ordinary springs. At Noirmoutier it is high water, full 
and change, at 3h. 17m.; springs rise 17 feet, neaps 13 feet, above low- 
water ordinary springs. 

In the Chenal de la Grise the flood begins about 1 hour before 
low water and sets northeastward with a velocity of 1 knot; at half 


270 


POIUTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 


flood it reaches 2 knots. At high water the ebb is established and sets 
westward; its greatest velocity is 3 knots. 

Near Pilier Isle the flood stream begins at 2 hours after low water, 
and sets east-northeastward -J a knot, attaining a velocity of 1^ knots 
at half tide, and at high water there is a barely perceptible stream 
setting northeastward. The stream is slack at 1 hour after high 
water. The ebb stream begins at south-southwestward at 1 knot, 
then turns westward, and at 4 hours’ ebb is setting west-northwest¬ 
ward. At low water there is hardly any stream. In the middle of 
the entrance of the bay at half flood the stream sets east-southeast¬ 
ward 1 knot; at high water there is no stream; at half ebb it sets west- 
northwestward 14 knots, and is slack at low water. In the northern 
part of the bay the streams follow the direction of the coast, the flood 
setting southeastward, the ebb northwestward, with a greatest veloc¬ 
ity of 2 knots. The ebb continues 4 hour after low water. 

The tide wave enters the bay both northward of Noirmoutier and 
by the Goulet de Fromantine, southward of that island; but the 
goulet being narrow, the water rises more quickly northward than 
southeastward of the island. When the Goa, which connects Noir¬ 
moutier Island with the mainland, is covered, at about 4 hours flood, 
the stream from the north drives back that from the south and forms 
in the goulet a stream which sets strongly seaward well before high 
water. Thus, in the triangle southeastward of Noirmoutier there 
are to the northward of the Goa 8 hours flood and 4 hours ebb, and 
in the part southward of the Goa 8 hours ebb and 4 hours flood. 

Directions.—The navigation of Bourgneuf Bay is much impeded 
by the shoals, and it is advisable to employ a pilot. 

From the northward, if bound to Pornic, a vessel may pass between 
Pointe de St. Gildas and La Couronnee Shoal. St. Gildas Point 
should not be approached from the westward nearer than J mile. 
The steeple of Bourg des Moutiers Church, well open northward of 
Notre Dame Beacon tower, bearing 109°, leads northward of the 
Couronnee and Kerouars Banks, until the chauteau at Prefailles bears 
80°, when a 98° course may be steered for the anchorage off Pornic. 

From the westward avoid the shoals off the northwestern end of 
Noirmoutier by giving Pilier Lighthouse a berth of 2 miles, or do not 
shoal the water toward it to less than 10 fathoms. This may be done 

c/ 

by keeping La Bernerie steeple in line with Le Caillou Beacon tower, 
bearing 91°, when, if bound for Pornic, the vessel may pass between 
the Kerouars and Notre Dame Reefs by keeping Pornic Church open 
northward of the lighthouse, bearing 61°. 

If bound to Le Fain Anchorage through the Chenal de la Pierre, 
continue with Bernerie steeple and Le Caillou Tower in line, until 
Notre Dame Beacon Tower is in line with Pornic Lighthouse, then 



BAIE DE BOUBGKEUF. 


271 


alter course to 126° through the Chenal de la Pierre, passing south¬ 
ward of the bell buoy marking the Pierre du Chenal, until l’Epois 
Lighthouse is just open eastward of La Perche Beacon, bearing 178°, 
which mark leads to the anchorage of Le Fain, passing over not less 
than 2J fathoms at lowest water. Vessels may pass northward of the 
Pierre du Chenal by continuing toward Le Caillou as above directed, 
until La Plaine Church is in line with Notre Dame Tower, which 
leads between the Pierre and Le Caillou, until TEpois Lighthouse is 
open eastward of La Perche Beacon. 

To reach the anchorage southward of Pierre Moine, on the leading 
mark, La Bernerie steeple and Le Caillou Beacon Tower in line, bear¬ 
ing 91°, when abreast the buoy off the Banc de la Blanche, and when 
Bouin steeple is in line with Pierre Moine Tower, bearing 120°, steer 
126°, passing eastward of the red buoy marking the Basse des Peres, 
and when abreast it steer more eastward for the anchorage. 

If bound for the Mouillage du Bois de la Chaise, follow the last- 
given directions until abreast the buoy of the Basse des Peres, when 
alter course to 169° for Plantier Tower, seen between Dames Point 
Lighthouse and Le Cobe Rock, until Grand Sece Tower is a little 
open northward of Martroger Tower, bearing 291°, which mark 
astern leads to the anchorage, the least depth passed over being 2 
fathoms at lowest water. 

From this anchorage vessels may pass over the bank to the east¬ 
ward and reach the Chenal du Centre by keeping the Moulin de la 
Lande in line with Cobe Rock, bearing 237° ? on which mark the least 
depth is 2 fathoms at lowest water. 

At night.—From the Loire steer 20G°, with Iverlede and Portce 
lights in line astern, which mark leads westward of the buoy with 
fixed green light off the western end of La Couronnee; when the buoy 
bears 75° alter course to 126° until Pornic Light .changes from red 
to white, bearing 79°, when steer 98°, and when the red light on 
Dames Point bears 176° alter course toward it, keeping it on that 
bearing. When Pilier Light bears 263° alter quickly to 101°, and 
anchor southward of Pierre Moine when Dames Point Light bears 
202°. 

If proceeding to the Mouillage du Bois de la Chaise, continue with 
Dames Point Light bearing 176° until Pilier Light bears 278°, when 
steer 132° and anchor when Dames Point Light bears 205°. The 
least water in this route is 2 fathoms at lowest water. 

If bound to Pornic, having entered the white sector of light from 
that place, steer 86°, keeping within that sector until the light bears 
67°, when steer toward it to the anchorage. 

From the westward and southward the position of the vessel on 
approaching Bourgneuf Bay may be checked by bearings of the 


272 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

lights on La Banche, He du Pilier, Pointe des Dames, and the lead¬ 
ing lights of the Loire River. 

From a position 3 miles north of lie du Pilier Light steer 98°, 
passing into the white sector of Pornic Light, and proceed as directed 
above. 

Southern entrance to the Baie de Bourgneuf: 

Goulet de Fromantine—Depth. —The Goulet de Fromantine, the 
narrow passage between the south extremity of Noirmoutier and 
Pointe de Notre Dame de Monts, is used by the small steamers which 
run between the lie d’Yeu and Noirmoutier and by a few coasters 
which load with salt in the creek of Cahouette, northeastward of 
La Barre de Monts, the approach to which is marked by beacons. 
A pier, situated a short distance eastward of the front lighthouse, 
projects northward about 150 yards to the edge of the mud. Besides 
the small depth of water, the frequent changes and narrowness of 
the channel, as well as the strong currents and heavy sea which are 
sometimes experienced there, render access often difficult, if not 
impossible, and it should not be attempted without a pilot. The 
depth in the channel is 1 foot at lowest water, but dries in places. 
Fresh westerly winds cause heavy breakers, especially with the ebb 
stream. 

Buoy. — A red conical buoy, No. 6 , is moored on the southern side 
of the goulet. 

Dangers in approach—Northern side.— The rocks bordering the 
western side of Noirmoutier Island—namely, Les Peignes, the Roches 
de la Loire, and Le Caillou (with 3 feet on it)—besides numerous 
others extending 4 miles southward of Pointe de la Loire and the 
same distance westward of Pointe de la Fosse. A sand bank, dry 
at low water, extends 1.7 miles westward of the latter point. 

Roches de la Fosse, scattered rocky patches, the highest of which 
dries 6 feet, extend 1.5 miles northwestward of Pointe de la Fosse on 
the above sand bank. 

Southern side—Basse de PAigle is a rocky plateau of consider¬ 
able extent, with 1J fathoms over its shoalest part, lying about 6 
miles westward of the Goulet de Fromantine. 

Buoy. —A conical red buoy with a conical top mark is placed south- 
westward of a 4|-fathom shoal situated nearly a mile southwestward 
of the shoalest part of the Aigle. 

Le Braillard—Buoy. —Le Braillard, a sand bank drying 6 feet, 
and subject to displacement, extends 1.3 miles west-northwestward 
from Pointe de Notre Dame de Monts. Its northwest side is marked 
by a red conical buoy. 

Boisvinet—Towers. —These rocks, situated off Pointe de Notre 
Dame d-e Monts, uncover 6 feet, and are marked by a red beacon 


GOULET DE FROMANTINE. 273 

tower. A similar tower 300 yards northward of Boisvinet marks a 
rock that dries 2 feet. 

Hocks—Buoys. —Some rocks which uncover 1 foot in the middle 
of the goulet, southwestward of Pointe de la Fosse, are marked on 
their northern side by a red conical buoy with conical top mark. 

Bell buoy. —The approach to the Goulet de Fromantine is marked 
by a bell buoy, painted red, with a conical top mark, situated nearly 
2.2 miles westward of Pointe de la Fosse. 

Light. —A light is shown, at an elevation of 75 feet, from a white 
iron tower, 26 feet high, on the sand dunes about J mile eastward 
of Pointe de Notre Dame de Monts 

Belief station for shipwrecked people are established at La Fosse 
and Barre de Monts. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water in the Goulet de 
Fromantine at 3 h. 25 m.; springs rise 17 feet, neaps 13 feet above the 
level of soundings, which is 2 feet below low water ordinary springs; 
the ebb stream lasts 8 hours in the goulet, the flood 4 hours. The ebb 
stream attains a velocity of 6 to 7 knots an lioui 5 . 

Anchorage. —Southeastward of Pointe de la Fosse there is anchor¬ 
age for small vessels in from 1J to 2J fathoms in the Bade de Froman¬ 
tine, well sheltered except from strong westerly winds. Vessels 
should moor, on account of the strong tidal streams. 

Directions. —Approaching the Goulet de Fromantine from the 
westward, the entrance may be recognized by its being equally dis¬ 
tant from the steeples of Barbatre, on Noirmoutier Island, and Notre 
Dame de Monts, on the mainland. Southward of Barbatre are the 
mills of La Jonchere, la Frandiere, and la Fosse. On a nearer ap¬ 
proach the bell buoy, about 2 miles westward of the entrance, and 
the beacon, surmounted by a circle, on Pointe de la Fosse will be seen. 
No directions can be given, and a pilot must be employed. When 
there is much swell from seaward small vessels can only cross the 
bar with the flood stream or about slack water. 

From the goulet, small craft bound to Noirmoutier or Le Fain 
Anchorage used a passage over the mud flats eastward of Noir¬ 
moutier, named Passage du Goa, in which the depth at high water 
springs is about 7 feet, but is stated to be decreasing. From the 
Pvade de Fromantine it leads in a north-northeasterly direction, passes 
across the Route du Goa close to its western end, whence course may 
be shaped for one of the channels leading to Noirmoutier to Le Fain 
Anchorage, or as necessary. 

lie d’Yeu—Aspect. —He d'Yeu, 9.5 miles off the land southward 
of Noirmoutier, is 5.2 miles long west-northwest and east-southeast 
and about 2 miles broad. It is a convenient landfall to make in order 
to enter the Loire from the southward, or if bound to les Sables 


274 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

d’Olonne, and also when from the northward bound to the Pertuis 
or Bordeaux, if Belle Isle has not been sighted. The island is of 
granite, its western part steep and its eastern low and flat. The 
southern side of the island may be generally approached to f mile, 
the northwestern end to 1 mile, and the northeastern side not under 
1.5 miles. 

Landmarks. —The principal landmarks on the isle are: The light¬ 
house on Petite Foule, a hillock a little higher than the northwestern 
part of the island; the large spire of St. Sauveur Church; the sema¬ 
phore of St. Sauveur, southward of the church; and from a moderate 
distance the small lighthouse Du Corbeau, at the southeastern end 
of the island. 

Soundings. —About on the parallel of 46° 40' north, or that of the 
southern side of He d’Yeu, the depth of 100 fathoms is about 95 
miles from the western end of the island. At 66 miles from the 
island the depth is 74 fathoms; at 41 miles 61 fathoms, mud, which 
quality of bottom continues until within 25 miles of the island, where 
in about 50 fathoms the bottom changes to sand and gravel. 

Pointe du Butte, the western extremity of the island, is low, and 
a shallow rocky bank extends over \ mile westward of the point and 
continues at the same distance along the northern coast of the island. 

Semaphore. —A semaphore 82 feet above high water is established 
at the extremity of Pointe du Butte. The house is white, the mast 
black. 

Lights.—On Petite Foule Hill, nearly 1 mile southeastward from 
the western extremity of the isle, from a white cylindrical tower 
108 feet in height, a flashing white electric light, visible 20 miles, 
is exhibited at an elevation of 177 feet above high water. (See Light 
List.) 

Chiens Perrins. —On a rock 870 yards off the western point of the 
isle is a red beacon tower 51 feet high, from which a fixed white and 
green light is exhibited 50 feet above high water. The white light 
is visible 7 miles, the green 3 miles in clear weather; the light is 
unwatched. (See Light List.) 

Fog signal. —About 1,633 yards 306° from Petite Foule Light¬ 
house, in a building near the semaphore on Pointe du Butte, is a 
siren worked by compressed air and so arranged as to be used 
immediately if required. 

Dangers—Northern side.—Les Chiens Perrins are rocks which 
extend about \ mile westward of Pointe du Butte. Several of the 
rocks dry at low water. The principal one, which carries the light 
beacon (already described), is 4 feet high. 

Le Grand Champ, a rock always above water, is about | mile off¬ 
shore north-northwestward of Petite Foule Lighthouse; and Basse 


ile d'yeu. 275 

Cantin, which dries 1 foot, lies about 600 yards offshore north-north¬ 
eastward of that lighthouse. 

Basse Sauzey, with 5 fathoms water over it, is about 3 miles 33° 
from the western extremity of the island. 

Port Breton is a tidal harbor on the northern side of the Ile d’Yeu, 
where numerous fishing vessels and some coasters, which frequent it, 
find good shelter from easterly, through south, to Avest-northwesterly 
winds. But notwithstanding considerable works, a swell enters 
with winds between northwest and northeast, and prevents vessels 
remaining in the outer port; they then enter the port and secure to 
buoys. 

The outer port is sheltered from the westward by a mole, named 
the Northwest Mole, 262 yards in length, the end of which is painted 
red; from the eastward by a circular breakwater, 328 yards in length, 
with a footbridge or stockade for towing purposes running north¬ 
eastward for 250 yards from its northern part; the ends of the bridge 
are on two old towers. The bottom in the outer port consists of sand 
and flat rocks. 

At the inner part of the Northwest Mole and at right angles to it 
is the Grand Quay, 110 yards long. 

The port is southward of the Grand Quay, alongside which the 
grounding berths dry from 6J to 8 feet at lowest water. There are 
three lines of buoys for mooring fishing boats, which dry from 7 
to 10 feet on sand and mud. 

There is a post and telegraph office at the town of Port Breton, 
where water may be obtained from wells near the Grand Quay, and 
coal and provisions sufficient for small craft. 

Dangers—Western side of entrance.—Le Boite is an isolated 
rock, drying 2 feet, about 600 yards 321° from the end of the North¬ 
west Mole. 

Le Tourneau—Buoy.—Le Tourneau, 2 rocks awash at low water, 
about 100 yards northward of the Northwest Mole, are marked by a 
red spindle buoy with a conical top mark on their eastern side. 

Eastern side—Beacon.—Eastward of the breakwater and the 
bridge is the large plateau of rocks named Kocher clu Port, the east¬ 
ern part of which has a black beacon with a cylindrical top mark 
16 feet above high water on it. 

B UO y.—\ rock with 1 foot over it, close northward of the beacon, 
is marked by a black buoy on its northern side. 

La Sablaire is the southern and Basse Mayence the northern part 
of a bank lying f mile eastward of the entrance of Port Breton; it 
extends 1,650 yards 0° and 180°, with depths of from If to 3 fathoms 
over it. 

Buoys.—Basse Mayence is marked on its northern side, which is 
1.2 miles from the shore, by a black conical buoy with a cylindrical 


276 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

top mark, and La Sablaire, on the southern side, by a red conical 
buoy with conical top mark. 

Light. —On the outer end of the Northwest Mole at Port Breton, 
from a red octagonal turret 20 feet high a fixed white and green light 
is exhibited 26 feet above high water; the white light is visible 9 
miles and the green 4 miles. (See Light List.) 

Range lights. —Front: On the end of the Grand Quay, from a 
white circular tower 18 feet high a fixed green light, visible 3 miles, is 
exhibited, 26 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Rear: About 280 yards 203° of the preceding light, from a white 
square turret 39 feet high, with building, a fixed green light, visible 
4 miles is exhibited 66 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

The green lights in line lead into the port. 

Fog signal.— A bell at the end of the footbridge, eastern side of 
entrance, is sounded in thick or foggy weather. 

Buoys. —Two buoys, painted white, are moored in the entrance of 
the port for warping purposes, and a red buoy in the outer port 
serves to temporarily secure vessels in the pass. 

Pilots.— There are at Port Breton a number of experienced men 
who are able to pilot vessels in ‘the neighboring ports, but the pilot 
flag must be kept hoisted while the vessel is in charge of one of them. 
Their employment in entering and leaving Port Breton is optional. 

Life saving. —A lifeboat is stationed at the inner end of the 
Northwest Mole. There is also a line-throwing gun at Port Breton. 

Tidal signals. —Signals are made from a mast on the Grand 
Quay, indicating the vertical movement of the tide and the height of 
water in the port above the zero of soundings commencing at 3 
meters. The signals are made for every quarter of a meter. 

Anchorage.— There is anchorage in about 1 fathoms at low water, 
sand bottom, between 1,200 and 1,400 yards northeastward of the 
outer end of the Northwest Mole, with Corbeau Point Lighthouse in 
line with Pointe Gautier, bearing 143°, and Petite Foule Lighthouse 
in line with the Calvaire, bearing 239°. 

A second anchorage is southwestward of La Sablaire* in 3J fath¬ 
oms, sand and mud, with the north point of the island open north¬ 
ward of the end of the Northwest Mole, or Pointe de la Conche in 
line with Pointe Gautier, bearing 135°, and Petite Foule Lighthouse 
just open southward of the church tower of Port Breton. This an¬ 
chorage is well sheltered from winds between south and west. 

There is also anchorage farther westward nearer the shore in 
about 2 fathoms at low water. 

Directions. —From the northwestward, approach the entrance to 
Port Breton with Pointe de la Conche and Pointe Gautier in line, 
bearing 135°, and when the two leading lighthouses are in line, 203°, 


ile d'yeu. 277 

steer into the port. By continuing on the first-mentioned mark a 
vessel will reach the anchorage southwestward of La Sablaire. 

From the eastward the north point of the island open northward 
of the end of the Northwest Mole leads to the anchorage southwest 
of La Sablaire; thence round the black buoy northward of the Rocher 
du Port to the entrance, when proceed as before directed. 

At night.— From the westward, round the northwestern end of the 
island at a distance of 1.5 miles, and bring the light on Pointe du 
Corbeau just in sight northward of Gautier Point, bearing 144°, 
which will lead to the entrance; anchor after passing the line of Port 
Breton leading lights or steer into the port w r ith the lights in line. 
If intending to anchor southwestward of La Sablaire continue on 
the first-mentioned mark and anchor when Petite Foule Light is just 
open southward of the rear leading light. 

From the eastward steer 284° toward the light on the Northwest 
Mole, keeping near the southern edge of the white sector, which leads 
northward of Pointe Gautier and Le Front Rock in 2\ fathoms least 
water until Corbeau Light is seen just northward of Pointe Gautier, 
which mark astern leads to the anchorage off the entrance; or when 
Petite Foule Light is just open southward of the rear leading light 
anchor southwestward of La Sablaire. 

Pointe Gautier lies 1.2 miles eastward of Port Breton, and about 
a mile farther on is Pointe de la Conche, both mentioned as marks 
for the anchorage southwest of Sablaire. Le Front Rock, lying 200 
yards off Pointe Gautier, dries 5 feet. 

Anchorage—Mooring buoy. —There is anchorage about J mile 
eastward of Pointe de la Conche in about 3| fathoms, sand and 
gravel, well sheltered from winds between south-southwest and 
west-northwest, with the end of the Northwest Jetty at Port Breton 
in line with Pointe Gautier and the southwestern point of Anse des 
Vieilles in line with the left side of a village and Corbeau Light¬ 
house, bearing 180° about 1 mile. A white mooring buoy is placed 
in this anchorage. Small craft may anchor nearer the shore in 1^ 
fathoms, sand and mud. 

Banc de la Conche extends northeastward upward of 1 mile from 
the eastern end of Ile d’Yeu. The depths on the bank are from H 
to 2} fathoms at low water, and with south-southwest winds there is 
a heavy sea on it during the ebb stream. 

Clearing marks.— The northern point of the island open north¬ 
ward of the end of the Northwest Mole of Port Breton by day or 
the white light of the mole in sight at night leads northward of the 
Banc de 1st Conche. 

South coast—Danger.—Les Trupailles, rocks always uncovered, 
are situated near the coast about f mile 236° from Petite Foule 


278 POINTE DU CROISIC-POINTS DU GROUIN DU COU. 

Lighthouse, more than a mile south-southwestward of Les Chiens 
Perrins. The highest head, l’Eveque, is 8 feet high. 

Clearing mark. —Pointe de la Panree, in line with Pointe de la 
Tranche, bearing 112°, leads southwestward of these rocks, and they 
are covered by Chiens Perrins green light. 

The coast between Pointe de la Panree and Pointe de la Tranche 
is bordered by cliffs and is indented by two small bays, in the eastern 
of which, Port de la Mule, there is anchorage for small craft with 
off-shore winds. The spire of St. Sauveur, bearing 33°, or the fort 
240°, leads to the entrance. 

Pointe de la Tranche, the most southerly point of the isle, has 
some rocks off it, the outermost of which is dry 3 feet. 

Semaphore. —A semaphore station has been established between 
St. Sauveur and Pointe de la Tranche. It is 167 feet above high 
water and consists of a round white tower and a white house with a 
red roof. The signal mast is black. 

Anse des Vieilles—An.chora.ge. —Between Pointe de la Tranche 
and Pointe du Corbeau the coast is bordered by cliffs, interrupted in 
the center by the Anse des Vieilles, in which there is anchorage in 
from 3 to 4 fathoms, sand, sheltered from northerly winds, with St. 
Sauveur spire in line with the left side of the sand beach of the bay. 
In winter the ground swell is much felt here. 

Danger.—Curs des Vieilles, a reef of rocks uncovering from 3 
to 11 feet, extends over 600 yards southeastward of the western point 
of Anse des Vieilles. 

Pointe du Corbeau, the eastern extremity of the isle, is 26 feet 
above high water, and bordered for about 550 yards by rocks drying 
at low water. 

Wreck. —The wreck of a steamer, visible at low-water spring tides, 
lies 2 miles 60° from Point du Corbeau. It is marked by a green 
buoy with conical topmark moored 100 yards southwestward. 

Le Corbeau—Tower. —The easternmost rock, Le Corbeau, which 
dries 14 feet, is marked by a black beacon tower with a cylindrical 
top mark, 18 feet above high water. 

Light.— On Pointe du Corbeau a fixed red light, visible 13 miles, 
is exhibited 64 feet above high water from a white square turret, 
38 feet high, with dwelling. (See Light List.) 

Telegraph beacons.— Two beacons, 160 yards apart, have been 
erected near Pointe du Corbeau to mark the landing place of a tele¬ 
graph cable. They are painted in blue and white horizontal bands, 
and each has a white circular top mark; when in line, bearin.o- 235°. 
they point out the directions of the cable. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, at 
the He d'Yeu at 3h. 28m.; springs rise 14f feet, neaps 10| feet, above 
low water ordinary springs ; the mean neap range is 6 feet. 


ILE d’yEU. 


279 


In the vicinity of the lie d’Yeu the tidal stream sets on to the 
shore while the water is rising at Brest, and straight to seaward from 
1 to 5 hours after high water at Brest. 

The flood or north-going tidal stream strikes the southern coast of 
the isle and divides into two branches, which flow around it, one by the 
eastern and the other by the western end. These streams • reunite 
near the Sablaire and continue together toward Fromantine. At the 
western point of the isle the flood stream sets eastward on the Chiens 
Perrins with a velocity of 3 knots at ordinary springs. Off Pointe du 
Corbeau the velocity of the flood stream does not exceed 2 knots. 
Along the outer coast of the isle the ebb stream begins at about south- 
southwest and ends at about north-northwest. 

Between the isle and the mainland the streams turn in the direc¬ 
tion of the hands of a watch. At half flood the stream sets east- 
northeastward; at high water south-southeastward. The ebb runs at 
first south-south'westward, then one branch rounds Pointe du Corbeau 
and sets west-southwestward, while the other passes the west point 
of the isle and sets west-northwestward. The greatest velocity of the 
ebb, >3 to 4 knots an hour at springs, takes place after southeasterly 
and easterly winds. 

Pont d’Yeu. —From the lie d’Yeu to Notre Dame de Monts is a 
bank of rock and sand, with 3 to 4^ fathoms water over its south¬ 
western part outside the island shore bank, named Pont d’Yeu, but 
the northeastern part, extending about 4 miles off the mainland, is 
very shallow, and dries in places at low water. With fresh north¬ 
westerly winds, and especially when these winds follow heavy south¬ 
westerly weather, this bank form a continuous line of breakers. 

Buoy. —Near the southwestern part of the shoal water is a red 
conical buoy with a conical top mark, moored in 2J fathoms, about 
4.5 miles 229° from Notre Dame de Monts. A vessel drawing over 15 
feet should not attempt to pass between the isle and the main at low 
water. 

Directions.— A course 128° or 308°, passing 2 miles from the 
northeastern coast of the isle, leads across the Pont d’Yeu in H 
fathoms best water. 

At night, from the northwestward steer for the light on the north¬ 
western mole at Port Breton on a 152° bearing, keeping on the 
junction of the green and white sectors, and when Chiens Perrins 
white light is obscured steer 120°, which will lead across the pont in 
not less than 3J fathoms lowest water. This course passes 1.5 miles 
from the shore of the isle, but less than \ mile outside the buoy of 
the Basse Mayence. From the southeastward steer for the light on 
the northwestern mole on a 284° bearing, keeping on the southern edge 
of the white sector, and when Corbeau Point Light bears 255° alter 
course to 300°, which will lead in 3J fathoms. 

21235°—IT-19 



280 POINTE DU CROISIC-POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

Coast—Aspect.— The coast southward of the Goulet de Froman- 
tine is formed of a line of sand dunes of uniform height, crowned by 
small groups of trees, the monotony being broken by Pointe de Grosse 
Terre, which shows cliffs of the same height as the sand dunes, but 
rocky and black. 

Telegraph beacons. —At about 2 miles west-northwestward of St. 
Jean de Monts 2 beacons have been erected on the shore to mark 
the landing place of a telegraph cable. The beacons are 164 yards 
apart and are painted blue and white in horizontal bands. Each has 
a white circular top mark. When in line bearing 40° they point out 
the direction of the cable. 

Landmarks. —Near the coast are the spires and mills of St. Jean 
de Monts, the spire of St. Hilaire, the high lighthouse and steeple of 
Croix de Vie, and the black spire of St. Gilles sur Vie. 

Dangers-—Les Marguerites.— These rocks extend 2.5 miles from 
the coast abreast Notre Dame de Monts, 4 miles southward of the 
Goulet de Fromantine. They dry 1 foot at lowest water and are 
northward of the Pont d’Yeu. 

From the Pont d’Yeu southeastward to Grosse Terre Point the 
land is fronted by an extensive shallow flat. 

Basse de la Vigie, with about 2 feet on it at lowest water, extends 
1 mile from the shore about 2.5 miles northwestward of Grosse Terre 
Point. 

Pilours Islet, 14 feet high, 350 yards southward of Grosse Terre 
Point, is situated on a rocky ledge, dry at low water, which extends 
| mile southward of the point. Shoal water of less than 1 fathom 
extends nearly 400 yards southward of the islet. 

St. Gilles sur Vie, a small tidal harbor J mile eastward of Grosse 
Terre Point, serves the villages of Croix de Vie, on the right bank 
of La Vie River, and St. Gilles, at the confluence of the Rivers La 
Vie and Le Jaunay. It is protected from seaward by Garenne Point 
and two moles, the western of which projects about 200 yards south 
from the shore, and has its end painted black. The eastern mole, 
built in a southwesterly direction, extends about 400 yards from 
Garenne Point, and has its end painted red. The distance between 
(he mole heads is about 100 yards. The harbor will only admit small 
vessels. On the northern side of the entrance is the Grand Mole, 
which projects southward opposite Garenne Point; Adon Mole, at 
the west end of the town; and a quay drying from 7 to 8 feet, and 
extending along the southwest side of Croix de Vie, is fronted by the 
Adon Bank. There is railway communication with St. Gilles, and 
the villages are connected by a suspension bridge. Below the bridge 
on the St. Gilles side is a quay, about 90 yards in length, drying 7| 
feet at lowest water. 


281 


ST. GILLES SUR VIE. 

Range lights.—Rear: A fixed white, red, and green light is ex¬ 
hibited, 88 feet above high water from a square white tower, 73 feet 
high, above the village of Croix de Vie. The white light is visible 
9 miles, the red 5 miles, and the green 4 miles. (See Light List.) 

Front: A fixed red light visible 9 miles is exhibited about 284 
yards 220° from the preceding, and on Croix de Vie Quay, from a 
square white turret, 17 feet high, 22 feet above high water. These 
lights in line lead into the harbor of St. Gilles. (See Light List.) 

On the end of the Grand Mole, on the northern side of the harbor, 
a small fixed white light, which is visible only from inside the har¬ 
bor, is shown from a lamp post. 

Fog signal.— A bell on the northwestern mole is sounded in thick 
or foggy weather. 

Anchorage.— In fine weather small vessels anchor temporarily in 
2 fathoms at low water outside the harbor, with the rear leading 
lighthouse open southward of the front lighthouse, and Pilours 
Islet bearing 300° 900 yards from the mole heads; or 1 mile nearer 
the entrance in rather less water. The bottom is sand and mud, good 
holding ground, but the road is quite open to seaward. 

Bonneau Rock, in the eastern part of the anchorage off St. Gdles, 
is stated to be awash at low water. It lies 1,400 yards south-south¬ 
eastward of the entrance, and 300 yards outside low-water mark. 

Clearing mark. —St. Hilaire Mills in line with the end of the 
Southern Mole leads westward of Bonneau Rock, which at night is 
covered by the sector of green light from the rear leading light¬ 
house. 

Tidal streams.— In the anchorage the streams are weak, but in 
the harbor channel the velocity of the ebb stream at springs reaches 6 
knots an hour and at neaps 4 knots. With much rain at neaps the 
stream constantly sets outward. The flood stream is less in strength, 
but it is dangerous, as it sets on Adon Mole at Croix de Vie. 

Tidal signals are made from a mast on the Grand Mole com¬ 
mencing at 3| meters above the zero of soundings. 

Pilots of St. Gilles have boats with a black anchor painted on one 
of the sails, and are usually found some miles off the harbor occupied 
in fishing. When bad weather prevents their going out they make 
signals to direct vessels at the mast on the Grand Mole, where the 
tidal signals are hoisted. 

Life saving.— A lifeboat is stationed at Croix de Vie. It can 
only be put in the water from 4 hours before to 4 hours after high 
water. There is also a line-throwing gun. At Croix de Vie and also 
at St. Gilles sur Vie are relief stations for shipwrecked people. 

The coast from St. Gilles sur Vie continues south-southeastward 
for about 13.5 miles to Pointe de l’Aiguille and is formed of sand 


282 POINTE DU CROISIC-POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

dunes bordered by rocks which extend J mile off the land, with shoal 
water in places for a mile outside them. The principal are Roche 
Biron, nearly 3 miles southward of Grosse Terre Point, Roches du 
Repos, Le Cournaud, and Les Pierres Noires. It is inadvisable to 
close the coast to less than 11 fathoms at low water by day, which 
depth is about 3.5 miles offshore, or than 15 fathoms at night. 

The port of La Gachere, which was formerly frequented by fishing 
boats and some coasters, is now completely filled up with sand. 

Landmarks. —The square tower of Bretignolles; the black spire 
of St. Martin le Brem; and the light gray spire of Vaire, on high 
ground, about 4 miles inland. The low tower of St. Nicolas is visible 
from the southward. 

Pointe de PAiguille, eastward of which is the Port des Sables 
d’Olonne, has a fort on it, and 600 yards northward a mill painted 
white with a black cylindrical top mark. 

Semaphore. —A semaphore is established on Pointe de l’Aiguille, 
110 feet above high water. The keeper’s house is painted blue gray, 
the mast black. 

Dangers.—Shoals extend 2 miles west-northwestward of Pointe 
de PAiguille, and in bad weather form a continuous line of breakers. 

Basse Vermenou, a patch of 4J fathoms, is situated 1 mile west¬ 
ward of these dangers. The sea is very heavy in the vicinity of this 
rock with strong winds from seaward. 

Grande Barge, an extensive rocky shoal, the highest part of 
which dries 14 feet at low water, and on even the deepest parts of 
which there is always a swell, lies about 1.5 miles off the point, to 
which it is joined by rocks and shoal water. 

Light. —On the highest rock of the Grande Barge, from a cylin¬ 
drical tower widened at the base, 90 feet high, and painted white, 
a group flashing white light, visible 14 miles, is exhibited 75 feet 
above high water. A line-throwing gun is kept at the lighthouse. 
(See Light List.) 

Petite Barge—Tower—Whistle Buoy. —Petite Barge, a rock 
which dries 9 feet at low water, lies about 0.6 mile south of Grande 
Barge Lighthouse and is marked by a beacon tower. A black whistle 
buoy is moored 200 yards south westward of the rock. 

Clearing marks. —The mill and church of St. Martin de Brem in 
line bearing 25° lead westward, and the mill of St. Jean just south 
of La Grange Farm, bearing 96°, leads southward of these dangers. 

Approach to Les Sables d’Olonne—Landmarks.— In ap¬ 
proaching this port the following are good marks: Grande Barge 
Lighthouse; the Semaphore on Pointe de PAiguille; La Chaume 
Lighthouse; La Chaume Mill, without arms, painted white with a 



LES SABLES D'OLONNE. 283 

black cylindrical top mark; the small black spire of La Chaume 
Church; and the large tower of Les Sables d’Olonne Church. 

On the eastern side of the bay the chimney of Chateau d’Eau, 
about 400 yards northward of Pointe de Tanchette; the chimney of 
the electric works, 0.6 mile northward; the Potence and Estacade 
Lighthouses, are good marks. 

Soundings.—It is not unusual to experience foggy or thick 
weather on this coast even when it is fine elsewhere. About 65 miles 
off the land, on the parallel of the port, a belt of soft mud is entered 
in depths of about 63 fathoms, and 40 miles off the bottom changes 
to sand and gravel to a depth of about 50 fathoms. 

Bay of Les Sables d’Olonne.—The bay of Les Sables d’Olonne, 
between Pointe de l’Aiguille and Pointe de Tanchette, nearly 2 miles 
apart in a northwesterly and southeasterly direction, is very well 
sheltered from winds between east, through north, and north-north¬ 
west, but it is completely open to those between west, through south, 
and southeast, when, although the holding ground is good, the 
anchorage is unsafe. It can offer but temporary anchorage, and a 
vessel unable to enter the port should take refuge preferably in the 
Pertuis. 

Dangers.—The bay is surrounded by rocky shoals, between which 
there are passages wide and deep enough for vessels of moderate 
size in fine weather. 

From Pointe de l’Aiguille to St. Nicolas Fort, which forms the 
western side of the entrance of the port, the coast is bordered by 
rocks uncovering at low water and extending off it about 500 yards. 
The highest heads are the Pois Marins, which dry 7 feet, situated 
southward of the semaphore and about 400 yards from the cliff; 
La Baleine, which dries 6 feet; and La Potee de Beurre, awash at 
low water, lie within 200 yards south-southwestward of the jetty 
extending from St. Nicolas Fort. 

Le Brou, with a depth of 24 feet, lies 0.7 mile 160° from the 
semaphore on Pointe de l’Aiguille. The sea rarely breaks on this 
patch. 

Le Nouch.—Buoy.—Le Nouch, 500 yards southward of Le Noura, 
has a depth of 1 foot on it at lowest water, and is marked by a red 
spindle buoy with a conical top mark. 

Barre Marine, \ mile east-southeastward of Le Nouch, is a rocky 
patch with 25 feet least water on it, which only breaks exceptionally. 

Le Noura is a small rocky bank, about 750 yards southward of St. 
Nicolas Fort. There is a depth of 7 feet over it, and a dangerous 
sea in heavy weather. Depths of from 13 to 18 feet extend south¬ 
ward 250 yards from the depth of 7 feet; and a shoal with 23 feet 


284 


POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 


on it lies ^ mile 140° from Fort St. Nicolas and 
the 7 feet on Le Noura. 


\ mile eastward of 


On the eastern side of the bay rocky ledges border the shore, ex¬ 
tending off between 400 and 600 yards, with a shallow bank outside 
them. 

La Peruse, a rocky ledge drying 13 feet, lies 350 yards 233° from 
La Tanchette Point, the southeastern point of the bay, and 600 yards 
243° from the point is a patch of 16 feet. Abreast the Anse de Tan¬ 
chette. and 700 yards from the shore are two shoals with 12 and 11 
feet on them, respectively. 

A rock with a least depth of 4 fathoms over it, known as Roche 
a Vason, lies 2 miles 155° from St. Nicolas Mole Light. 

A rock awash at low water, with a depth of 10 feet outside it, 
lies 800 yards 223° from the electric works chimney. 

Lights—La Chaume.—At la Chaume Quay, on the western side 
of the entrance to the port of Sables d’Olonne, a fixed white light, 
visible 9 miles, is exhibited, 105 feet above high water, from a large 
dark-red square tower 84 feet high. 

On the same quay and close northward of the preceding light two 
fixed red lights are exhibited from posts with white triangular top 
marks having a black ball in the middle, which in line bearing 326° 
leads toward the entrance. (See Light List.) 

Eastern Mole.—On the end of the eastern mole, from a round 
white tower 25 feet high, is exhibited, 36 feet above high water, a 
fixed white light visible 9 miles. (See Light List.) 

St. Nicolas Mole.—On the southern extremity of St. Nicolas 
Mole, from a white tower 41 feet high, an occulting white light vis¬ 
ible 6 miles, is exhibited 51 feet above high water. The light is un¬ 
watched. (See Light List.) 

Range lights.—Southeastward of the town are two fixed red 
range lights, each visible 9 miles. 

The rear or Potence Light is shown at an elevation of 93 feet above 
high water from a square tower 49 feet high, with a dwelling house 
attached, all painted white. (See Light List.) 

The front or Stockade Light is shown at an elevation of 33 feet 
above high water from a square red tower 24 feet high, situated near 
the shore, 420 yards 231° from the rear light. (See Light List.) 

Fog signal.—A bell at the end of the east mole is sounded in 
thick or foggy weather. 

Pilots.—The pilots of Les Sables have large boats with two masts, 
similar to the fishing boats, but have a black anchor painted on the 
mainsail. They may be found as far as 40 miles off the land. They 
are specially in charge of the pilotage of Les Sables, but they work 
with the pilots of La Rochelle, He de Re, Port des Barques, and De 


LES SABLES D'OLONNE. 


285 


Marennes, to take ships to the ports and roads of Les Pertuis. The 
first pilot of one of these stations to board a vessel takes her to her 
destination, if no pilot of that station answers the pilot signal, which 
should be made. When required, these pilots take vessels bound 
from Les Sables to the Pertuis as far as Pointe des Baleines; and 
those bound northward from seaward or Les Sables to Pont d’Yeu or 
St. Gilles Road. A pilot is necessary to enter the port. 

Anchorage. —The outer anchorage extends from the Barre Marine 
to 200 yards northwestward of the alignment of the Potence and 
Stockade Lighthouses, and has general depths of from 5J to 7 
fathoms at low water. There is an inner anchorage in 19 feet of 
water close eastward of a red buoy named the Sables Buoy. 

Directions—Depths. —Approaching from the northward, the 
mill and church of St. Martin de Brem in line bearing 25°, lead west- 
ward of the Grande Barge and Basse Vermenou until the Moulin de 
St. Jean is open southward of La Grange farm, which leads south- , 
ward of those dangers and toward the entrance to the western 
channel into the bay of Les Sables d’Olonne. 

To pass through the western channel, between Le Nouch and Le 
Noura, in a depth of 20 feet at lowest water, keep Potence and 
Stockade Lighthouses in line bearing 51° and anchor when La 
Chaume Lighthouse is in line with the end of the east jetty. This 
route crosses a line of breakers in strong westerly winds, and is then 
attended with danger. 

To enter by the east channel, between Barre Marine and Pointe de 
Taneliette, bring, when southward of the Barre Marine, La Chaume 
Lighthouse just open westward of East Mole Lighthouse bearing 
320°, which marks leads in a depth of 6 fathoms at lowest water to 
the outer anchorage, and passes sufficiently far eastward of the 
breakers. Anchor when Potence and Stockade Lighthouses are in 
iine. This channel should be used in preference in bad weather 
from the westward. Or, in strong westerly winds, pass to windward 
of the Barre Marine in depths of 32 feet, with the first mill, which 
has a roof but no sails, westward of Potence Lighthouse, open a 
little southward of Stockade Lighthouse, bearing 32°. When La 
Chaume Lighthouse is in line with the end of the east mole, proceed 
as above directed. 

Port of Les Sables d’Olonne. —This port, which formerly was 
frequented by numerous vessels of war, is one of the most important 
fishing ports of the west coast and one of the most flourishing of the 
French commercial ports of the second class. There are no special 
customhouse or quarantine regulations nor any diseases requiring 
special precautions. There is at Les Sables communication by rail¬ 
road, post, and telegraph. The population is about 12,244. 


i 


286 P01NTE DU CROISIC-POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

Bar—Depth.— The entrance of the port is obstructed by a bar of 
sand and shingle, on which the sea breaks in heavy southwesterly 
weather to about 200 yards off the end of the east jetty. A patch, 
awash at low water, lies about 50 yards southward of the lighthouse 
on the east jetty. The rear light post of La Chaume, open westward 
of the front post, leads over the bar in a depth of 1-J feet at lowest 
water. 

Channel.— The entrance channel, which is maintained at a depth 
of 1J feet at lowest water, passes between 2 moles having a general 
south-southeasterly direction. About 750 yards inside the entrance 
the channel takes an abrupt bend to the eastward. The east mole, 
which commences at the west end of the town of Les Sables, is 765 
yards long. Its end is painted red. The west mole is a continuation 
of La Chaume Quay and ends northeastward of Fort St. Nicolas. 
There is also a mole extending 400 yards southward of St. Nicolas 
Point, which shelters the port from seaward. A tide gauge is painted 
on the support of the footbridge which prolongs La Chaume Quay. 

The outer port is northward of the western part of the town, be¬ 
tween the bend in the channel just mentioned and the entrance to the 
basin, and has a depth of 3 feet at lowest water for a length of 140 
yards. 

The tidal port, eastward of the outer port, is bordered on the south 
by the quay of Les Sables and on the north by that of the basin. It 
has a length of nearly 600 yards and a width which varies from 98 
yards at the western to 175 yards at the inner or eastern end. This 
port is constantly filled with fishing vessels, which ground on mud 
or mud and sand. The eastern part of the tidal port dries from 2 to 
5 feet at low water. 

A line of railroad connects the tidal port with the maritime station. 
On the southern side of the tidal basin is a fixed crane of 4J tons and 
also one of 2 tons. 

The basin, or wet dock, is situated on the northern side of the 
outer and tidal ports. The gates are opened 1J hours before high 
water and closed a little after high water. (For dimensions, see 
Appendix II.) 

A railroad runs along the northern side of the basin, where vessels 
discharge coal and petroleum. One 10-ton fixed crane is on the 
eastern side of the basin and five traveling steam cranes on the 
northern side. 

Flushing reservoir. —The basin is surrounded by a large swamp, 
which the sea fills as the tide rises. This swamp is closed on the 
west bv gates leading into the entrance channel and on the east by 
other gates at the head of the tidal port. Either gates can be opened 
when required, and the rapid discharge of water scours the channel 


LES SABLES o'OLONNE. 287 

The velocity of the stream in the channel thus caused reaches 5 knots 
when the tide is ebbing. 

Signals. —A flagstaff stands on the bridge of the west gate. 
Flag J, commercial code, hoisted above a red flag, indicates that the 
reservoir is being filled; and flag J below a red flag indicates that 
ihe channel will be sluiced at low Water. 

Tides and tidal streams.— It is high water, full and change, at 
Les Sables d’Olonne at 3h. 37m.; springs rise 12f feet, neaps 9^ 
feet, above low-water ordinary springs; neaps range 6 feet. This 
rise in the highest tides is 18 feet, at ordinary springs 15J feet, and 
at neaps 124 feet above lowest water. 

On the coast in the vicinity the streams are weak. The flood com¬ 
mences to the northward; at half flood it sets eastward; at high 
water southward, preserving its velocity. The ebb sets westward. 
The greatest velocity of these streams is 2 knots an hour at half tide. 
The velocity of the stream in the harbor channel does not exceed 1 
knot, except when the reservoir is opened. 

Tidal signals are made from a flagstaff at the end of the east 
jetty, indicating the vertical movement of the tide and the height 
of water above the zero of soundings, commencing at 3 meters. The 
signals are made for every quarter of a meter. 

Trade—Shipping.— The exports are cereals and salt in a large 
amount, and the imports especially wood from the north, coal, and 
petroleum. In 1904, 68 vessels of a total tonnage of 38,211 tons 
entered the port and 74 vessels of 36,182 tons cleared. 

Supplies. —Provisions of all kinds can be obtained at Les Sables. 
Water is laid on alongside the basin, but it is not abundant, par¬ 
ticularly in summer. There are no means of taking water to vessels 
in the road. 

Coal. —There is coal at Les Sables d’Olonne equal to any probable 
demand. 

Repairs—Slips. —In the tidal port is a gridiron, and in the wet 
basin are 2 patent slips; there is also a smaller gridiron. (For 
dimensions, see Appendix II.) 

The facilities for repairs to hull or machinery are very few. 

Hospital. —There is a hospital and also a sailors’ home. 

Tug. —The service of Les Ponts et Chaussees have a tug and .also 
diving apparatus, which would, in case of necessity, be placed at the 
disposition of merchant vessels. 

Life saving. —A lifeboat is stationed at the port and can be put 
in the water at any time of tide. There are also a mortar apparatus 
and 2 line-throwing guns. 

Directions. —To enter the port of Les Sables d’Olonne steer 
toward the entrance with the rear light post on La Chaume Quay 


288 POINTE DU CROISIC—POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU. 

open westward of the front light post, which leads in to abreast the 
lighthouse at the end of the east jetty, having passed which steer 
along that jetty at the distance of about 50 yards. A turn of 8 points 
to starboard is required to reach the basin entrance or the tidal 
harbor. 

Coast—Aspect. —The coast from Les Sables d’Olonne trends 
southeastward to Pointe du Grouin du Cou, about 16 miles distant, 
and is about 130 feet in average height. The dunes which border it 
from Pointe du Perray extend farther inland as the entrance of the 
Pertuis Breton is approached. 

Landmarks.— The principal marks are, in addition to those men¬ 
tioned on the eastern side of the bay of Les Sables d’Olonne: St. 
dean Mill and the old abbey of St. Jean des Orbietieres; a large house 
with its sea front painted white, about 2.2 miles southward of 
Potence Lighthouse; a large convent with the spire of a chapel show¬ 
ing above it near the sea northwestward of Le Perray Entrance; 
Talmont, a ruin, surrounded by a thick wood, 3 miles northeastward 
of Pointe du Perray; Jard Church, a square tower with a small 
pyramidal roof; the Moulin de la Conchette on the coast southward 
of Jard; and the lighthouse on Pointe du Grouin du Cou. 

Dangers.— The coast from Les Sables to Pointe du Grouin du 
Cou is bordered by rocks, dry at low water, and shoals, which extend 
from 1 to nearly 2 miles offshore and form a continuous line of 
breakers with winds from seaward. 

Basse de la Pironniere, with 4f fathoms on it, lies } mile offshore 
about 2 miles southward of the East Jetty Lighthouse at Les Sables 
d’Olonne. 

Roches du Joanne, with 1J fathoms over them, lie about 1 mile 
offshore 2.5 miles 162° from the Moulin de St. Jean. 

Roches de ITslatte, drying 7 feet, extend nearly 1 mile southward 
from the coast of Jard. 

Roche de Vendeurs, lying 1.5 miles offshore in the bay northward 
of Pointe du Grouin du Cou, dries 1 foot, and is the highest point of 
a shoal 1 mile in length. 

Roche de La Marche, awash at low water, lies 2.2 miles north- 
northwestward of Pointe du Grouin du Cou and J mile offshore. 

Roche a Vason, with 4 fathoms of water, lies about 2 miles south¬ 
ward of St. Nicolas mole light. 


CHAPTER Y. 


POINTE 1>U GROU1N DU COU TO POINTE D’ARVERT, INCLUDING 
PERTU1S BRETON AND PERTUIS D’ANTIOCHE. 

Plateau de Roche Bonne. —About 37 miles westward of the 
northwestern point of the He de Re is the extensive rocky flat of 
Roche Bonne, one of the most dangerous shoals off the western coast 
of France. It is situated between the parallels of 46° 8' N. and 
46° 13' N., and has a length of about 5.5 miles within the 22-fathom 
limit northwest and southeast, with a width of 1.5 miles. The bank 
rises suddenly on its western side. The sea is often heavy on it, and 
in bad weather from the westward extremely dangerous. 

There are three principal summits: La Congree, with 2-| fathoms 
water on it, near the northwestern extremity of the bank, is marked 
by a lighthouse in course of construction; a patch with 44 fathoms 
on it lies J mile southeastward of La Congree; and the Roche du 
Sud-Est, with 4 fathoms, about 2.5 miles southeastward of La Con¬ 
gree. Between these summits and over the other parts of the plateau 
the depths vary between 9 and 22 fathoms. 

Lights. —The Plateau of Roche Bonne is marked by the fol¬ 
lowing lights, which are also beacons by day: 

A light pontoon, painted red, with one mast, fitted with an auto¬ 
matic bell and marked u Rocliebonne ” in white letters, is moored 
1.9 miles 85° from La Congree Patch in 26 fathoms. A fixed white 
light is exhibited at an elevation of 33 feet above water, visible 10 
miles. The light is fed by compressed gas and is unwatched. (See 
Light List.) 

Light buoys. —A light buoy, painted red and marked “ Roche- 
bonne N. O.,” is moored about 1 mile 322° from La Congree and 
shows a fixed green light, which should be seen from a distance of 
3 miles. 

A light and bell buoy, painted black and marked “ Rochebonne 
S. E.,” is moored about 1.5 miles southeastward of the Roche du 
Sud-Est and shows a fixed red light, which should be seen from a 
distance of 7 miles. 

Lighthouse building. —In June, 1899, the construction of a 
lighthouse was commenced on La Congree Rock. During the prog- 

289 



290 POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU—POINTE D*ARVERT. 

ress of the work its extent will be marked by white prismatic moor¬ 
ing buoys, which it is dangerous to approach. 

A hull (used as a store ship), with 3 masts, painted red, with 
“ Rochebonne ” on each side, which at night exhibits only the lights 
of a vessel at anchor, is moored about 1.7 miles 22° from La Congree 
Lock. The fore and mizzen masts of the hulk are fitted with poles 
for radio apparatus. 

A small steamer and 2 lighters, carrying anchor lights, are moored 
at night about 1.2 miles 45° from La Congree Rock. 

During the winter season the vessels and buoys used in connection 
with the work of construction of the lighthouse are withdrawn. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water on the Roche Bonne 
Plateau about l hour earlier than it is at the He d’Aix, and at ordi¬ 
nary springs the rise is about 14| feet above lowest water. 

In the vicinity of the Roche Bonne Plateau the tidal stream sets 
on to the shore while the water is rising at Brest, and to seaward 
from high water to 5 hours after. 

The streams are rotary, turning in the direction of the hands of 
a watch, and attain a maximum velocity of 1 knot. They are affected 
by the prevailing winds. 

Caution is necessary when navigating in the vicinity of the Roche 
Bonne, there being deep water close-to on all .sides of it. Too much 
dependence should not be placed on the buoys always retaining their 
positions. 

Approach to Les Pertuis—Soundings. —On the parallel of 
Baleines Lighthouse and more to the northward a bottom of mud 
extends from 68 to 44 miles from the land, the corresponding depths 
being 65 and 50 fathoms. 

On the parallel of Chassiron, at 74 miles from the land, the depth 
is 68 fathoms, sand and mud, and at 38 miles, 43 fathoms, mud and 
gravel, the bottom between these positions being sand and mud and 
, soft mud. 

On the parallel of Pertuis de Maumusson, depths of 55 fathoms, 
sand, are found at 50 miles, and 31 fathoms, soft mud, at about 25 
miles from the land. Southward of the mouth of the Gironde the 
bottom is sand. 

If, when approaching the land in thick weather, there are sound¬ 
ings of 40 to 44 fathoms, rock, for 1 or 2'miles after having passed 
over the bottom of soft mud, the Roche Bonne Plateau is being 
steered for, and the course should be altered to the southward for 5 
miles, and then eastward to make Chassiron. 

The stream from the Gironde, depositing mud on its course, runs 
westward between the parallels of 45° 30' N. and 45° 50' N. and 
joins the large area of soft mud which extends to the northward. 


/ 


PERTUIS BRETON. 


291 


Pilots. —Pertius Breton is considered one station for pilotage pur¬ 
poses belonging to the pilots of St. Martin and La Flotte, He de Re. 
These pilots have charge of vessels entering or leaving the ports of 
that isle. They have also the right of taking vessels to La Pallice 
and of taking those leaving their station bound to La Charente and 
La Seudre as far as the lie d’Aix, but in the last case they must hoist 
the pilot signal for a pilot of those stations. 

The pilots of the lie de Re have boats which keep the sea very 
well and permit them to go to the vicinity of the lie d’Yeu and of 
Roche Bonne. The employment of a pilot is compulsory. 

Tidal streams. —In approaching the coast the flood or east-going 
stream .turns into the Pertuis, and its velocity increases. The ebb 
stream takes the general direction of the Pertuis and turns west¬ 
ward at the northwest points of the lies de Re and d’Oleron. 

Pertuis Breton is the space comprised between the north coast of 
the He de Re and the mainland, eastward of Pointe du Grouin du 
Cou. It is 16 miles in length and 5 to 7 miles wide, with banks and 
shoal water a long distance off both shores. 

Northern side. —The mainland from Grouin du Cou to the en¬ 
trance of the Lay River consists of downs, and the village of 
Aiguillon can scarcely be seen from seaward. 

Southern side of Pertuis—lie de Re. —This island is nearly 14 
• miles long, west-northwestward and east-southeastward, with a maxi¬ 
mum width of 3 miles. It is rather low. On its northern side is 
Pertius Breton, on its southern side that of Antioche, and the two 
Pertius are connected at the eastern end of the island by a passage, 
about 1 mile in width, named Coureau de la Pallice. The northern 
side is very broken and offers, besides the ports of Ars, St. Martin, 
and La Flotte, tolerably good anchorages. 

Although unfertile, the island has a numerous population (about 
16,000), which is especially employed in the cultivation of the vine 
and working the salt marshes. 

Landmarks.— Besides the lighthouses the principal landmarks 
are: On the mainland, La Dive, a limestone hillock in the midst of 
the meadows of Aiguillon, southeastward of the village of that name, 
eastward of Anse de l’Aiguillon is the church of Charon, with 
pointed steeple; farther southward is that of Marsilly, a large tower 
with a round bell turret, and also the Lanterne of La Rochelle, a large 
gray cone with a wide base, visible both from Pertuis Breton and 
Pertuis d’Antioche. 

In the western part of the lie de Re are the pointed steeple of 
St. Clement and Ars spire, which is 165 feet high, with the lower 
part painted white and the upper part black, and often visible from 
seaward before any object on the island; close to the northward of 
this spire is a large factory chimney. 


292 


POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 


On the northern coast of the isle are the town and citadel of St. 
Martin. The church of St. Martin has a large square tower, flanked 
by 4 small bell turrets. Farther eastward is the village of La Flotte, 
which may be recognized by the square gray tower of its church. 
About 1 mile eastward of La Flotte, on a barren point, is the ruin 
of the old abbey of St. Laurent, Avith its Avestern gable painted white 
at the base and black at the top. At the eastern end of the isle is 
Ste. Marie Church, with a white toAver and black pyramidal spire. 

Pointe du Grouin du Cou, on the northern side of the entrance to 
the Pertuis, is formed of steep cliffs, from which rocks and a rocky 
shoal extend about 8 miles Avestward. La Tranche village, 1 mile 
eastward of the point, is difficult of access, the swell breaking almost 
ahvays on the rocks around it. In fine weather fishing boats frequent 
a small jetty on Pointe de Chiquet. 

Fosse de Chevarache—Depths. —Fosse de Chevarache extends 
for a length of 10 miles betAveen the northern side of the He de Re 
and Grouin du Cou Bank. The part AvestAvard of the meridian of 
Baleines Lighthouse is termed the Fosse Occidentale and the part 
eastward the Fosse Orientale de Chevarache. The depths in it are 
generally from 13 to 17 fathoms, but reach 28 fathoms northeast- 
AA^ard of Pointe du Lizay. The southern side of this deep is rocky, 
and rises almost suddenly, while in the north the bottom is sand and 
rock, gradually shoaling. NotAvithstanding the outer shoals of the 
Pertuis, the SAvell produced by Avesterly and even soutliAvesterlv 
Avinds runs right through the Fosse. The streams in it are rapid 
and cause, Avith strong Avinds from seaward, a fairly heavy sea. 
There is no good anchorage in it. 

The streams follow the general direction of the Fosse, and turn 
f hour after high and low water. 

Dangers—Northern side of Pertuis Breton. —Grouin du Cou 
Bank extends 8 miles west of the point of that name as far as the 
middle of the entrance of Pertuis Breton. It is formed of rocks 
upon which there are depths of 5 to 7 fathoms at loAvest water. The 
sea is heavy on this bank during the ebb stream with fresh north¬ 
westerly Avinds, and it is dangerous to attempt to pass over it in bad 
weather from seaward. 

Roche de Aunis, with 2 feet water over it, lies 1.2 miles 153° from 
Grouin du Cou Point. The swell breaks heavily on it. 

Banc Breton, about 4 miles 153° from Grouin du Cou Point and 
in the middle of the Pertuis, is a summit covered with sand, having a 
depth of 3 fathoms on it. Ars Spire in line Avith the upper light on 
Pointe du Fier leads over the bank. 

Southern side. —Rocky ledges, dry at low water, extend 2.5 miles 
northwestAvard of Baleines Point. On these is Haut Banc du Nord 



PERTUIS BRETON. 


293 


Lighthouse. Shoal water extends about f mile farther, and beyond 
is a rocky bank extending 7 miles from the point, on which are 
patches of 4, 5, and 6 fathoms. 

Patches of 3 and 4 fathoms extend 2 miles northwestward from 
Pointe du Lizay to near the 10-fathom edge of the Fosse Orientale 
de Chevarache. 

Pointe du Lizay, within which is Les Portes village, is bordered 
for a distance of 600 yards with rocks drying at low water, as far as 
the chapel of Les Portes, built on the site of a redoubt. A sand bank 
with several patches of 6 feet water prolongs these rocks to a distance 
of 1 mile toward the Pertuis. Its southern part uncovers in places 
at low water, and is marked at its eastern end bv a conical red buov, 
named the Bucheron, with conical top mark. 

Roche du Fier, about 2 miles 44° from Pointe du Fier, is an iso¬ 
lated patch, with a depth of 3f fathoms over it, which rises sud¬ 
denly from deep water. 

Clearing mark. —The ruin of the abbey of St. Laurent in line 
with the Islattes Tower, 127°, leads northeastward of Roche du Fier. 

From Pointe du Fier to Pointe de Loix the coast is bordered by 
rocks drying at low water, which extend f mile from the shore and 
nearly to the line of the Fier range lights. 

Le Rocha—Islattes Tower. —Le Rocha is a large rocky bank 
extending 2.5 miles eastward of Pointe de Loix. It has depths of 
from 1 foot to If fathoms over its eastern part, eastward of the 
beacon tower, westward of which it is dry at low water. A mile 
eastward of the point, on a rock, drying at low water, named the 
Islattes or the Plattes in the French sailing directions, is a red beacon 
tower, with a conical top mark, 36 feet above high water. 

Le Rocha—Light buoy. —A red conical buoy, marked “ Le Rocha, 
Pointe E. N. E.,” exhibiting a fixed green light, is moored in a depth 
of 5f fathoms at the eastern extremity of the bank. 

Clearing marks.— Ars Church open northward of Loix village, or 
Haut Banc du Nord Lighthouse in line with Pointe du Lizay, leads 
northward, and the churches of Ste. Marie and La Flotte in line 
bearincf 163° lead close eastward of Le Rocha. 

Preau Bank, formed of mud and sand, has a depth of If fathoms 
over hard mud. It lies 2.7 miles east-northeastward of St. Martin, 
and 2.2 miles offshore. Two other patches with If and If fathoms 
lie about 0.7 mile south-southeastward and 0.9 mile southward of 
the preceding patch. 

Lights—Pointe du Grouin du Cou. —On Grouin du Cou Point, 

50 feet high, is exhibited. 92 feet above high water, a flashing white 
and red light, visible 15 miles from a white square turret. (See 
Light List.) 


294 


POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 


Haut Banc du Nord. —About 1.6 miles 317° from Baleines Light¬ 
house, from a circular tower, 104 feet high, is exhibited, 75 feet 
above high water, a fixed white light, visible 15 miles. This light 
is unwatched. Rocky ledges extend 1 mile northwestward of this 
lighthouse. 

Baleines.—On Pointe des Baleines, the northwestern point of the 
He de Re, from an octagonal tower surmounting a dwelling house, 
of a total height of 187 feet, is exhibited, 166 feet above high water, 
an electric flashing white light, visible 19 miles. (See Light List.) 

An old light tower stands a short distance northwest of the light¬ 
house. 

Anchorages.— Pertuis Breton contains several anchorages, the 
most frequented of which are those of Bucheron or Fier d’Ars, Rade 
de St. Martin, La Flotte, and La Pallice Road. 

Prohibited anchorage. —Anchoring and fishing with trawl or 
dredge is prohibited for a distance of 660 yards on either side of a 
line drawn from Point du Grouin du Cou Lighthouse to Haut Banc 
du Nord Lighthouse bearing 227°, in depths exceeding 8 fathoms 
off the mainland and 5J fathoms off the Haut Banc du Nord. 

Le Lay, or Riviere de St. Benoist, discharges into the north side of 
the Pertuis Breton, about 8 miles southeastward of Pointe du Grouin 
du Cou, eastward of Pointe de La Roche. It is frequented only by 
coasters, which load with cereals and vegetables. The bar of the 
river has 1 foot of water at springs. The channel of the river is 
marked by buoys and beacons, which are shifted as necessary. The 
village of l’Aiguillon is on the left bank, about 2.5 miles within the 
entrance. 

Bell buoy.—A bell buoy, painted red and black in horizontal 
bands with a spherical top mark, is placed about 1.7 miles south¬ 
ward of the mouth of the river. # 

Anse de PAiguillon was used formerly by coasters, and even by 
large vessels, which could take the ground in it in safety and repair 
damages. But the depth of the anchorage has much diminished 
and is still decreasing, and it is now only frequented by the small 
craft which ascend the rivers of Lucon and Marans. A beacon 
marks Pointe de PAiguillon, the western entrance point. 

The village of Enandes, in the southeastern part of the bay, is 
approached over the mud flats, which dry at low water, through a 
channel marked by buoys, red on the starboard and black on the port 
hand, entering. At Enandes is the best fresh water in the vicinity. 

Anchorage.— A bight in which there is a reported depth of from 
8 to 10 feet at low water extends in a northeasterly direction from 
about J mile southward of Aiguillon Point. 



PERTUIS BRETON. 


295 


Light buoy.—A can-shaped light buoy, painted in red and black 
horizontal bands and exhibiting a fixed white light, indicates the 
middle of the anchorage. 

Canal de Lucon.—This canal, which begins in the northern part 
of the Anse de l’Aiguillon and extends to Lucon, has a length of 
about 7.5 miles and can be used by vessels drawing 74 feet of water. 

Riviere de Marans.—The Sevre Niortaise, which passes Marans, 
enters the northeastern part of Aiguillon Bay. At its mouth is a 
rocky shoal, the Rocher du Bas, with 1^ feet over it at lowest tides, 
which prevents vessels drawing 19 feet from entering except at 
spring tides. The distance to Marans by the river is about 9 miles, 
but by the canal recently made from Brault, which is 1.5 miles from 
the mouth, to Marans the distance is about 4.5 miles. The usual 
depth of water in the canal is 1G feet; its width is 115 feet at the 
water level and 23 feet at the bottom. The approach from the bay 
is marked by buoys and beacons. Small vessels only are able to enter 
the port of Marans, whence there is a considerable export of corn and 
flour. At Marans there is no basin or dock, but a slip where small 
craft can be repaired. Fresh water can be obtained, and coal in 
moderate amounts. There is railway, post, and telegraphic com¬ 
munication. 

Anse de V Aiguillon to La Pallice—Beacon.—Mud banks ex¬ 
tend along the coast from the bay to about 1 mile north-northeast¬ 
ward of Pointe du Plomb, off which is the rocky ledge of Le Moine, 
which dries 9J feet and is marked by a black iron beacon with a 
cylindrical top mark, 23 feet above high water, placed on the Digolet 
Rock. Thence to Pointe de Chef de Baie the coast is bordered by 
rocks, and steep cliffs extend as far as Port de La Repentie, except in 
the sandy bay southward of Pointe du Plomb. / 

In front of La Repentie village are 2 moles which shelter a small 
tidal port, and outside the moles is a slip for landing at low water. 
A conspicuous tree, useful as a mark when approaching La Pallice 
from the Pertuis d’Antioche, is situated ^ mile northeastward of La 
Repentie. 

Pointe des Baleines, the western extremity of He de Re, is low 
and has on it the lighthouse previously described and a semaphore. 

Semaphore.—A semaphore, with black mast and the keeper’s house 
painted yellow, is established at about 200 yards southward of Ba¬ 
leines Lighthouse. It is elevated 100 feet above high water. 

Wreck.—The wreck of the Fantasque lies off Pointe Grignon about 
4 miles southward of Baleines Light. The masts are visible at low 
water. The wreck is marked by a green buoy with conical top mark. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed near the semaphore at 
Baleines. It can be put into Conche Bay at any time of tide, or into 
21235°—17-20 



296 POINTE DU GEOUIN DU COU-POINTE dArVERT. 

the sea westward of Baleines Point when the water is low enough 
for the breakers to deaden the swell from seaward. 

A line-throwing gun is kept at Haut Banc du Nord Lighthouse. 

A line-throwing gun is kept at La Tranche, and there are relief 
stations for the assistance of shipwrecked people at Grouin du Cou 
Lighthouse and L’Aiguillon, on the northern side of the.Pertuis. 

Beacons.— A black and white pyramid, about 30 feet above high 
water, is situated about 600 yards eastward of Baleines Lighthouse. 

A black wooden beacon in shape of a gable stands 2 miles 82° 
from Baleines Lighthouse at La Riviere, and another beacon is on 
the shore westward of it. 

Anchorage of La Conche.— To communicate with the shore small 
vessels anchor temporarily eastward of Baleines Point in a depth of 
16 feet with the semaphore open eastward of the lighthouse. A 
rocky reef with 1 fathom over it lies 1.6 miles 48° from Baleines 
Lighthouse and J mile offshore abreast La Riviere Beacon. It is 
necessary to keep ready for sea, as the holding ground is bad, and at 
high water the swell passes over the rocks off the point. A black 
conical mooring buoy is placed at the head of the bay near a small 
ietty on the end of which is a beacon. 

Mer du Fier, or Fier dArs, is a large bay or inlet which covers at 
each tide, having on its southern side an isthmus 170 yards across. 
This bay has several creeks in it which serve the salt marshes. 

Range lights. —On the western side of the entrance to the Fier 
are two fixed range lights 367 yards apart, which in line 259° lead 
to the entrance of the channel of the Fier. (See Light List.) 

The rear light, shown from a window .of a white house 36 feet 
above high water, is green and visible 8 miles over an arc of 16° on 
each side of the range line. 

The front light, shown from a black iron post 28 feet above high 
water, is white and visible 7 miles. 

Anchorage.— Vessels waiting for an opportunity to enter the Mer 
du Fier anchor northeastward of the Buclieron Buoy, northward of 
the line of Pointe du Fier range lights, and with the ruin of the 
Abbey of St. Laurent open of Pointe de Loix. Here the depth is 
about 3J fathoms, sand and mud, good holding ground, and sheltered 
except from northwesterly winds. 

Ars is at the head of a creek in the southwestern part of the Mer 
du Fier, and can be reached at springs by vessels drawing 9J feet. 
The resources of the villages are very limited, but a small craft 
could obtain some provisions, a little coal, and water. 

Fosse de Loix, the large bay between Pointe de Loix and St. 
Martin, dries almost entirely at low water. 

St. Martin. —The port of St. Martin is much the most important 
of those in the lie de Re. It has a considerable trade in wines and 


PE ETUIS BRETON. 297 

brandies, and the coasters find there all resources they require. 
There is a post and telegraph office in the town. 

The outer port, 393 feet long and 164 wide, is sheltered by a mole 
extending northeastward about 426 feet. The outer port and the 
channel leading to it dry at low water. The depth in them is indi¬ 
cated by a tide gauge painted on the end of the mole. 

The tidal harbor communicates with the outer port by a pass 82 
feet in width.' It extends southwestward about 820 feet, with an 
average width of 164 feet. Vessels ground on a mud bottom along 
the east quay. The berths dry about 5 feet. On the western side is 
a gridiron. (See Appendix II.) 

The Avet dock is westward of the tidal port, and is divided into 2 
branches. It communicates with the tidal harbor by a gate. (For 
details, see Appendix II.) In the basin is a building slip and also 
a repairing slip. 

Lights.— At the angle of the bastion on the east side of the outer 
port, an occulting light with Avhite and red sectors, \dsible 5 miles, 
is exhibited, 56 feet above high water, from a round white turret 37 
feet high. (See Light List.) 

At the end of the mole which shelters the entrance of the port, 
a fixed green light, visible 2 miles, is exhibited 24 feet above high 
water from an iron lamp-post on a shed. (See Light List.) 

Life-saving station.— A life-saving station ftirnished with a line- 
throwing apparatus is established at St. Martin and also at Pointe 
du Lizay. Stations for the relief of shipwrecked people are at Ars, 
Mer du Fier, Loix, and Rivedoux. 

Beacon.— The coast on both sides of St. Martin is bordered with 
rocky flats, which dry over mile off it. The highest parts are on 
the eastern side, where they form the plateau, named Du Couronneau 
in the French sailing directions, marked on its northeastern extremity 
by a black iron beacon. 

Anchorage.— Large vessels find, at 2.5 miles from St. Martin, and 
northeastward of the extremity of Le Rocha, excellent shelter in 
westerly and southwesterly winds. Anchor in from 10 to 11 fathoms, 
with Ars Church in line Avith the northern houses of Loix, bearing 
252°, or Haut Banc du Nord Lighthouse a little open north of Pointe 
du Lizay, and St. Martin’s Mole Lighthouse, bearing 197°. The in¬ 
convenience of this anchorage is that, if the wind veers to the north- 
Avest, the sea becomes very heaA^y during the ebb stream. If the draft 
of water permits, refuge can then be taken in one of the inner anchor¬ 
ages or in La Pallice Road. 

In the Rade de St. Martin there is anchorage in about 3 fathoms, 
mud, good holding ground, Avith St. Martin’s Church open westward 
of the lighthouse, bearing 208°. 


298 POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-POINTE dArVEET. 

La Flotte—Beacon. —The entrance to this port is between 2 rocky 
flats, which dry at low water, the eastern of which surrounds Pointe 
des Barres and is marked by a black beacon with a cylindrical top 
mark. 

The outer port is sheltered from easterly winds by Pointe des 
Barres and from northerly winds by a circular mole, 1ST yards in 
length, inside which vessels ground on a mild bottom, which dries 7J 
feet at lowest water. There is a gridiron in the outer port (see 
Appendix II) ; a tide gauge near it indicates the depth of water on 
the blocks. The port, separated from the outer port by a jetty 50 
yards long, is 142 yards in length and 44 yards in width; it is sur¬ 
rounded by masonry quays, alongside which vessels ground. There 
is a depth of about 10 feet in the port at high-water springs. 

At La Flotte sufficient provisions for a small craft and fresh water 
from wells situated 200 yards from the port may be obtained. 

Light .—At the eastern end of the mole a fixed white light, visible 
9 miles, is exhibited, 33 feet above high water, from a white cylin¬ 
drical turret 28 feet high. (See Light List.) 

Anchorage. —There is good anchorage for small vessels off La 
Flotte in If fathoms, mud and shells, with Sablanceaux Point open 
eastward of the coast of the island, bearing 138°, and the jetty light¬ 
house 200°. 

The coast.— Eastward of Pointe des Barres, shoal water extends 
nearly 1.5 miles off the island. Kivedoux Village, about 1 mile south¬ 
ward of Fort de la Pree, is situated at the head of a sandy bay, which 
dries at low water. It is sheltered by Pointe de Sablanceaux, where 
there is a wooden pier, at the outer end of which the mud dries 3 feet 
at low water. At the end of the point is a black beacon with a cylin¬ 
drical top mark 22 feet above high water. Kivedoux beacon is situ¬ 
ated about 400 yards south-southwestward of that village. 

Anchorage. —There is a very good anchorage for vessels drawing 
20 feet of water, in from 4 to 5 fathoms, mud, about 4 mile east- 
northeastward of Sablanceaux Point; the only inconvenience is the 
tidal stream, the velocity of which reaches 1^ knots. Anchor with 
Fort Boyard ki line with Lavardin Tower bearing 171°, and St. 
Laurent Abbey open north of the Fort de la Pree. 

Directions. —In clear weather from the northward, when destined 
to Les Pertuis, it is usual to sight Belle He, or at any rate the lie 
d’Yeu. The coast is then approached in order to make the Grande 
Barge Lighthouse, then those of Grouin du Con and Pointe des 
Baleines, if bound to the Pertuis Breton. 

From the westward, pass northward or southward of Roche Bonne 
Plateau at a distance of 4 or 5 miles, then 3 miles northward of Haut 
Banc du Nord Lighthouse. 



PERTUIS BRETON. 


299 


From the southward make Chassiron Lighthouse, or Cordouan 
Lighthouse, which latter may be seen from a distance of 16 to 18 
miles, then keep at least 3 miles from the coast of the He d’Oleron and 
Chassiron Point, where the sea is often very heavy. 

Approach Pertuis Breton with Grouin du Cou Lighthouse bearing 
82° until Baleines Lighthouse is in line with Haut Banc du Nord 
Lighthouse, or, if from the northward, with the latter mark on till 
Grouin du Cou Lighthouse bears 82°. These marks lead a good dis¬ 
tance from the Pointe des Baleines, and also from Grouin du Cou 
Bank, upon which the sea breaks even when it appears to be smooth at 
sea. Then steer 110°, which course leads through the Fosse de 
Chevarache and directly to the outer anchorage of St. Martin, passing 
northward of La Roche du Fier and Le Rocha Bank. 

To proceed to La Pallice Road, leave the last-mentioned line when 
Haut Banc du Nord Lighthouse is just open northward of Pointe du 
Lizay, bearing 275°, and keep it so astern until St. Laurent Abbey 
bears 183°, when alter course to 130°. This route leads northeast¬ 
ward of Preau Bank, but crosses, in depths of 8J feet at lowest water, 
the mud and sand flat named in the Franch sailing directions, Pen 
Breton, which extends between the lie de Re and the main. When 
Chauveau Lighthouse is in line with the knoll between the two re¬ 
doubts on Pointe de Sablanceaux, bearing 194°, keep that mark on 
until Fort Boyard is in line with Lavardin Tower, bearing 171°. 
which leads to the road. 

At night. —Proceed as above directed to the outer anchorage of 
St. Martin; to La Pallice Road continue 110° until Chassiron Light 
is seen a little open eastward of La Flotte Light, when alter course 
so as to bring Grouin du Cou Light to bear 315°; keep the light on 
this bearing astern, and when Chauveau Light bears 199° steer for it 
till St. Martin Light is obscured by the fortifications, then steer 171°, 
with Lavardin Light on that bearing, for the anchorage. 

Tidal streams.—In Pertuis Breton the flood stream begins shortly 
after low water at the He d’Aix and follows the direction of the 
strait until northward of St. Martin. There it divides into 2 
branches, one of which runs eastward and fills the Anse de l’Aiguil- 
lon: the other follows the northern side of the lie de Re. In the 
vicinity of Pointe des Barres, at 2 hours flood, this stream meets 
that which comes through Pertuis d’Antioche, and both turn toward 
the Anse de l’Aiguillon. The ebb stream runs in the opposite direc¬ 
tion. The flood stream attains a velocity of 2 knots, and the ebb of 
14 knots. The streams are generally slack at high water. 

It is high water at St. Martin nearly at the same time as at the He 
d’Aix. The rise of the tide is 204 feet at the highest tides, 19£ feet 
at ordinary springs, and 144 feet at neaps, above lowest water; mean 
neap range, 7J feet. 


300 POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU—POINTE d'aRVERT. 

The flood stream begins off St. Martin and La Flotte, setting west¬ 
ward, following the coast as far as Fosse de Loix, while in the mid¬ 
dle of the Pertuis the flood begins setting southeastward. 

Toward the eastern point of the isle the ebb begins off La Flotte, 
setting southwest, turning soon afterwards toward northwest. 

Between the Tie de Be and the mainland, in the passage called 
Coureau de la Pallice, the stream at low water sets south westward 
between Chauveau and Lavardin, with a velocity of 1 knot at springs; 
it turns at 1 hour of flood and sets eastward; at H hours of flood it 
sets northward, and attains its greatest velocity of 1.7 knots. 

At high water the stream is almost nil. It turns shortly after¬ 
wards and sets southward. The greatest velocity of the ebb, 2^ knots 
at springs, occurs 1 hour before low water. 

Pertuis d’Antioche. —The Pertuis d’Antioche is bounded on the 
north by the He de Be, on the south by lie d'Oleron, and on the east 
by the coast between Pointe Chef de Baie and the Charente. The 
shores of the Pertuis are very low. 

Landmarks.— Besides the conspicuous points in the lie de Be and 
the lighthouses described with their localities, the principal land¬ 
marks for the navigation of this Pertuis are: On the mainland, the 
battery on Pointe de Chef de Baie; Chateau Delmas, westward of 
La Bochelle, surrounded by trees and with a high turret with conical 
reef on its eastern side; the towers and churches of La Bochelle; the 
wood of La Garde, on a summit situated about 6 miles eastward of 
Pointe du Che; Angoulin Mill, near the sea southward of Angoulin 
Village; Chatelaillon ruins, on a sandy hillock above the white 
houses of Chatelaillon; the white steeple and the two large square 
towers of Fouras; and also, to the southward, the spires of Moese and 
Marenne^. 

In the northern part of the lie d’Oleron, which is generally low, 
are the church and mills of St. Denis, the churches of St. Georges 
and St. Pierre (the latter with the upper part of the tower painted 
white), and the piers of Le Douhet and La Perotine. 

In the Pertuis are the dark circular Fort Boy arc! and the forts and 
wood of the He d’Aix. 

Northern side of Pertuis. —The western and southern coasts of 
lie de Be are bordered by low sand hills and fronted by rocky flats, 
which reach their greatest extent at Clianchardon Point, off which 
they project south-southeastward more than 2.2 miles. They offer no 
shelter from southerly and southwesterly winds and, being exposed 
to the swell from seaward, are unapproachable. In northwesterly 
and northerly winds coasters anchor temporarily in the clear space 
between the rocky ledges southeastward of Le Martrais, between 
Chanchardon and Couarde Points. 


PERTUIS d’aNTIOCHE. 


301 


Pointe du Deffend (Chauveau), forming the southeastern ex¬ 
tremity of the He de Re, is bordered with rocks, drying at low water 
for about 0.7 mile off it. 

South side of Pertuis d’Antioche—lie d’Gleron. —This island 
has a length of 16^ miles in a general northwesterly and southeasterly 
direction, with a width varying from 2 to 6 miles. It is bounded on 
the north by the Pertuis d’Antioche, on the east by Coureaux d’Ole- 
ron, and on the south by the Pertuis de Maumusson. It possesses 
fisheries, salt pits, and fairly productive vineyards. 

Its western side is bordered by rocks and is quite open to the sea, 
but the inner side is well'sheltered and offers some good anchorages 
and small tidal ports. 

Aspect. —Excepting a hillock of the sand dunes in its southern 
part, which reaches an elevation of 100 feet, all the isle is low, and it 
has no point of recognition easily distinguished from the offing. The 
only good landmark is the lighthouse of Chassiron, on the low north¬ 
west point of the isle. It should be noticed that this lighthouse is 
close southward of a semaphore tower. On the highest part of the 
wooded downs of St. Trojean, near the southern end of the island 
and south westward of the village, is a black open-work beacon in the 
shape of a pyramid, surmounted by a small mast carrying two square 
top marks. 

Wrecks. —Several wrecks lie about 3.5 miles north-northwestward 
of Chassiron Light. There is only one buoy for the several wrecks. 

Semaphore. —About 65 yards northward of the lighthouse on 
Chassiron Point is a red tower with a semaphore, elevated 92 feet 
above high water. 

Fosse d’Antioche comprises the deep central part of the Pertuis, 
between the southern part of the lie de Re and the northern part of 
lie d’Oleron. It has an average width of about 2 miles and depths 
of from 10 to 24 fathoms, with a bottom composed of sand, soft stone, 
gravel, and rock. Mud is found in a few p'laces. A vessel obtaining 
these depths will be clear of danger on either side of the Pertuis. 

Bank. —The Plateau of Le Clone, situated in the middle of the 
Pertuis, has a least depth of 8 fathoms over it. The sea does not 
break on this plateau, but it becomes heavy in strong southwesterly 
winds. The bottom is tuff or soft stone, and unfit for anchorage. 

Dangers—Northern side of Pertuis d’Antioche—Pointe de 
Chanchardon. —Rocks, dry at low water, extend south-southeast¬ 
ward 2.2 miles from this point. Chauveau Lighthouse or white light 
bearing northward of 94° leads southward of the rocks. 

Pointe de Chanchardon—Beacon. —A beacon is being con¬ 
structed on the southern extremity of the reef making off from 
Pointe de Chanchardon. A cylindrical iron caisson, 45 feet in diam- 


302 


POINTE DU GROU1N DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 


eter and rising 13 feet above low water, lias been sunk in 2f fathoms 
within the reinforced red sector of Chauveau Light. The caisson is 
surmounted by an iron column carrying 2 platforms and a mast 
with 2 large horizontal arms. The top of the mast is about 55 feet 
above high water. Nine iron buoys, painted white, have been estab¬ 
lished in connection with the work. One of the buoys is moored 
about 550 yards southward of the caisson and the others at about 
110 yards distance. 

Roches de Chauveau—Beacons. —These rocks, extending 0.7 
mile south-southeastward from Pointe de Chauveau, dry at low 
water, and are marked on their southern part by Chauveau Light¬ 
house, by Chauveau Beacon, a black iron beacon with a cylindrical 
top mark \ mile westward of the lighthouse., and a similar beacon, 
named Greffe Beacon, about 300 yards eastward of the lighthouse. 
The Plateau de Chauveau extends southward 1.5 miles from the 
lighthouse, on Roches de Chauveau, to a depth of 5 fathoms at low 
water; its southern extremity is marked by a light buoy. 

Light buoy. —A black light buoy, with the-word “ Chauveau ” on 
it and showing a small fixed red light 14 feet above the water, is 
moored about 1.5 miles 188° from Chauveau Lighthouse. 

Plateau du Lavardin—Tower. —Between Chauveau Rocks and 
Chef de Baie Point, in the middle of the Coureau de la Pallice, is 
the Lavardin, a rocky flat with a general depth of 1J to 5 fathoms 
over it, except in the northern part, where a summit uncovers at low 
water, and is marked by a beacon tower painted in black and red 
horizontal bands, which carries a light. The sea breaks over the 
northern part of the plateau in heavy weather. 

Le Rocher d’Amour forms the southern part of the Plateau du 
Lavardin. It is a rocky bank of some extent, covered with mud in 
places, and with a least depth of 2£ fathoms on it. Between this 
bank and the Lavardin proper there is a channel with a least depth 
of 3 fathoms at low water. 

Roche du Sud. —About 1.7 miles 187° from the Lavardin is the 
Roche du Sud, which has a least depth of 19 feet over it. 

Clearing marks.— The pier lighthouses of La Pallice, in line 
with Lavardin Beacon Tower, lead westward, and the Moulin du 
Pont la Pierre, hidden behind Pointe du Che, leads southward of 
Roche du Sud. 

Southern side of Pertuis d’Antioche.—Chassiron Point, the 

northern extremity of He d’Oleron is surrounded by reefs and shoal 
water, which extend f mile westward, over 1 mile northward, and 2 
miles northeastward of the lighthouse. There is almost always a 
heavy sea over depths of less than 6 fathoms in the vicinity of 
the point. 


PERTUIS DANTIOCHE. 


303 


Rocher d’Antioche—Refuge beacon.—About 1.4 miles 30° from 
from Chassiron Lighthouse is the Rocher d’Antioche, which dries 10 
feet. It is marked by a red iron beacon, which has 5 branches, the 
center branch being surmounted by a refuge 33 feet above high 
water. About 1.5 miles eastward of Rocher d’Antioche and nearly 
2 miles offshore the depth is 3J fathoms. 

Clearing marks.—The large house of Laleu, open northward of 
Chauveau Lighthouse bearing 56°, leads northward of all the foul 
ground off Chassiron Point. Fouras Old Tower open southward of 
Aix Isle semaphore bearing 115° leads northeastward of these 
dangers. 

At night Chauveau white light in sight leads northward, and the 
■junction of the white and red sectors of light from the He d’Aix 
bearing 118° leads northeastward of all dangers off Chassiron Point. 

La Longe and Le Boyard—Buoys.—In the southern part of the 
Pertuis d’Antioche, between lie d’Oleron and lie d’Aix, is the large 
sand bank La Longe, which, including Le Boyard, is nearly 5 miles 
in length, northwest and southeast. La Longe, the northern part of 
the shoal, has general depths of from 1J to 2J fathoms, but the 
southern part, named Le Boyard, is very shoal, parts along its south¬ 
western edge drying at lowest water. Bout de la Longe, the north¬ 
western extremity, situated 3.5 miles 304° from Fort Boyard, is 
marked by a spindle buoy, painted in black and white horizontal 
bands, with a black diamond topmark, moored about 700 yards 233° 
from the end of the shoal. A shoal, with 2J 'fathoms water, lies 
about J mile 53° from the Bout de la Longe. 

The southeastern extremity of Le Boyard is marked by a conical 
buoy, painted red and white in horizontal bands, with a red topmark 
in the shape of 2 cones, points together. 

Fort Boyard, a large cylindrical structure with an old light tower 
on it, is built on the eastern side of Le Boyard, about 1.5 miles from 
the southeastern extremity of the shoal. 

Between Pointe de Chef de Baie and He d’Aix all the eastern 
part of the Pertuis d’Antioche is filled with shoals, the depths on 
which gradually decrease toward the land. The northern part of 
these shoals, the Plateau des Duraignes, lies abreast the shore be¬ 
tween Pointe des Minimes and Pointe du Che, and the central part, 
known as the Plateau d’Angoulin, lies southwestward of the last- 
named point. Perotine Lighthouse, in line with the west part of 
Fort Boyard, leads westward of the southern portion of these shoals 
in a least depth of 3| fathoms, and the northern mill of those east¬ 
ward of Ste. Marie in line with Chauveau Lighthouse, bearing 306°, 
leads southwestward of the northern portion. 

Roche des Basques, a shoal of soft stone with 34 fathoms least 
water over it, lies eastward of the deep-water anchorage of Basque 


304 POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 

Roads, and within the 5-fathom curve. Vessels should not anchor 
on this shoal. 

Lights.—On Chauveau Rocks a fixed white and red light is ex¬ 
hibited, 73 feet above high water, from a round white tower, 90 feet 
high, situated 0.6 mile southward of Pointe de Chauveau. The white 
light is visible 15 miles and the red light 8 and 3 miles. (See Light 
List.) 

Le Lavardin.—On the summit of the Lavardin, is exhibited, 
from the beacon tower, 68 feet high, painted black and red in hori¬ 
zontal bands, 42 feet above high water, an acculting white light with 
a green sector. The white light is visible 11 miles and the green light 
is visible 7 miles. The light is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

Port de la Pallice.—On the end of each pier at Port de la Pallice, 
a fixed light is exhibited 33 feet above high water from a white 
turret 23 feet high. The light on the northern pier is red and visible 
5 miles; that on the southern pier is green and visible 3 miles. The 
light on the south pierhead is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

La Rochelle.—Rear light: A fixed white light, visible 9 miles, is 
exhibited, 79 feet above high water, from a white octagonal tower 72 
feet high, situated on the east quay of the inner basin. (See Light 
List.) 

Front light: Two hundred and fifty-seven yards 239° from the 
preceding, a fixed red light, visible 9 miles, is exhibited 46 feet above 
high water from a white and red circular turret 44 feet high. (See 
Light List.) 

Chassiron.—From a round white tower, 141 feet in height, situ¬ 
ated on the northern point of He d’Oleron, is exhibited a flashing 
white light, visible 19 miles, at an elevation of 164 feet above high 
water. The light is occulting over the lie d’Oleron. 

The lighthouse is furnished with a line-throwing gun. (See 
Light List.) 

La Perotine.—At the end of La Perotine Mole, a fixed white light, 
visible 7 miles, is exhibited 20 feet above high water from a white 
iron support with shed. 

He d’Aix.—On Pointe Ste. Catherine, a flashing white and red 
light, visible 14 miles, is exhibited, 66 feet above high water, from 
a round white tower 45 feet high. (See Light List.) 

About 50 feet northwestward of the lighthouse is a white tower, 
which supports a screen to render the northern limit of the red 
sector as exact as possible. 

Charente—Range Lights.—On the right bank of the Charente, 
and about J mile northeastward of the Pointe Fort, are 2 range 
lights, which in line lead from Aix Isle Road to the entrance of the 
river. 


PERTUIS d'aNTIOCHE. 


305 


Rear light: From a white square turret with a spire a fixed white 
light, visible 12 miles, is exhibited at an elevation of 42 feet above 
high water. A ray of white light is shown over Port des Barques 
Anchorage. (See Light List.) 

Front light: From a square white turret situated 656 yards 294° 
from the preceding a fixed red light, visible 11 miles, is exhibited 
27 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

On the left bank of the river and above Port des Barques are the 
2 following lights, which in line from their junction with the line 
of the two preceding lights lead as far as the Anchorage des Barques. 

Rear light: A fixed green light, visible 8 miles, is exhibited 44 
feet above high water from a square white turret with a spire. (See 
Light List.) 

Front light: From a square white turret, situated 536 yards 315° 
from the preceding, a fixed green light, visible 9 miles, is exhibited 
17 feet above high water. 

Rade de la Pallice, eastward of the He de Re, is accessible at all 
times of tide to the largest ships from the southward, and to those 
which can cross the flat of Peu Breton, with a depth of 8J feet on 
it at lowest water, from the northward. The road is well sheltered 
from all except southeasterly to southwesterly winds, which in bad 
weather and during the ebb stream cause a choppy sea, inconvenient 
for boats. There is anchorage in depths of from 5 to 7 fathoms, mud 
and good holding ground, over a length of* about 1.5 miles, northward 
and southward and a width of nearly J mile, southward of Ste. Marie 
Church in line with Sablanceaux Point 250°, and northward of the 
Lanterne de la Rochelle 78°, open north of the battery on Pointe de 
Chef de Baie. There is also anchorage northward of this portion, in 
from 4 to 5 fathoms, eastward of Pointe de Sableanceaux. 

Anchor within the limits above mentioned, with Fort Boyard in 
line with Lavardin Tower, bearing 171°. Large vessels anchoring 
in the southern part of the road should open Fort Boyard westward 
of Lavardin Tower. 

By night anchor with Chassiron Light in line with Chauveau 
Light bearing 228°, and with Lavardin Light bearing 171°. There 
is also anchorage westward of the entrance of the port. 

Beacons—Prohibited anchorage.—Seven blue and white hori¬ 
zontally-striped beacons have been erected on the shores of the north¬ 
ern part of the Rade de la Pallice to indicate the routes of the tele¬ 
graph cables. 

(а) Three beacons, 1 front and 2 rear, on the Eastern shore, of 
the road, about 400 yards southward from Port de la Repentie. 

(б) Two beacons, on the western shore of road, on the southern 
side of point, about f mile northward from Rivedoux Beacon. 


306 


POINTE DU GROUIN DU OOU-POTNTE d'aRVERT. 


(c) Two beacons on the southwestern shore of road, about 4 mile 
westward from Sablanceaux Point Beacon. 

In order to avoid fouling the telegraph cables, anchorage is pro¬ 
hibited within a space limited as undermentioned. 

(a) By a line drawn 314° through 2 of the beacons on the eastern 
shore of the road. 

(b) By a line drawn 278° through the same front beacon and the 
other rear beacon. 

(c) By a line drawn 70°, parallel to the line of the beacons near 
Rivedoux, and 500 yards to the northward of them. 

( d ) By a line drawn 37°, parallel to the line of the beacons west¬ 
ward of Sablanceaux Point, and 500 yards eastward of them. 

A submarine flotilla is stationed at La Pallice. 

Zones reserved for traffic when submarine vessels are exer¬ 
cising.—When the flag with a yellow and red horizontal stripe is 
hoisted at the signal stations or on the vessel escorting submarine 
vessels, to indicate that the latter are exercising submerged, all ves¬ 
sels wishing to enter or leave the ports of La Pallice or La Rochelle 
are earnestly requested to make use of the zones defined below, in 
which submarine vessels are prohibited from exercising submerged. 
These zones are limited as follows: 

1. On the north, by the parallel of Chauveau Buoy (westward of 
the buoy), and by a line joining successively the following points: 
Chauveau Buoy and Chauveau Lighthouse; Chauveau Lighthouse 
and Lavardin Tower; Lavardin Tower and South Jetty Lighthouse, 
La Pallice. 

On the south by a line drawn parallel to the alinement of La 
Rochelle leading lights, and 540 yards southward of it. 

2. On the south by a line joining Pointe des Sablanceaux and Chef 
de Baie. 

On the east by the alignment 131° of Pointe Chef de Baie and 
South Jetty Lighthouse, La Pallice; and by the alignment 161° of 
Lavardin Tower and Pointe des Sablanceaux. 

On the west by the northeast coast of He de Re. 

3. By the arc of a circle drawn with South Jetty Lighthouse, La 
Pallice as center, with a radius of 860 yards. 

Hade de Basques.—This anchorage, better known as Basque 
Roads, situated in the middle of the Pertuis d’Antioche, has depths 
of 5^ to 9 fathoms, soft mud bottom and good holding ground, but 
as there is frequently considerable sea, it is used as an anchorage only 
by large vessels. Marks for anchorage in 8 fathoms are Fouras 
Tower, over the middle of the lie d’Aix, bearing 120°, and Lavardin 
Beacon Tower seen one-third of the distance from Sablanceaux Point 
to La Pallice Jetties. 


307 


PERTUIS D ^ANTIOCHE. 


Eastward of the road the water shoals rapidly, and to preserve a 
depth of 54 fathoms at lowest water Fort Boyard must not be brought 
westward of 180°. 

Port de la Pallice.—The deep-water port of La Pallice was 
opened to navigation in 1891. It is situated on the eastern side of the 


road, is about 3 miles from the town of La Rochelle, of which port 
it is to be considered as a dock, and comprises principally an outer 
port and a wet basin. (For details, see Appendix II.) 

The outer port has a depth of 16 feet at the lowest tides and 35 
feet at high-water springs. The entrance between two piers on its 
western side is 98 yards in width. The northern pier is 410 yards 
long in a southwest direction, and outside its outer end the southern 
edge of the bank extending from Pointe St. Marc has been cut away 
for a distance of 140 yards parallel to the southern pier. The inner 
end of the northern pier is connected with the Lock head by a wharf 
230 yards in length, on which petroleum and dangerous materials 
are discharged, but experience has shown that vessels at this wharf 
have suffered damage in strong winds. In front of this wharf for a 
length of 360 feet the water has been deepened to 23 feet at lowest 
water. The southern pier, 444 yards long, projects seaward in a 
278° direction into a depth of 16J feet. It is connected with the quay 
on the south side of the lock by arches. 

New works are contemplated, comprising the deepening of the 
present outer port, the construction of a new northern pier, and the 
extension of the existing southern pier to form a new outer port. 

Buoys.—A black conical buoy with a cylindrical top mark has 
been placed about 400 yards seaward of the end of the northern pier. 

Several mooring buoys are laid down in the outer port northward 
of the line joining the end of the north pier to the lock entrance. 

Lights.—The entrance to the outer harbor is marked by a fixed 
green light on the southern jetty head and a fixed red light on the 
northern jetty head. The lights are unwatched. (See Light List.) 

The wet dock forms 2 rectangles with their north sides in line, 
and communication between the outer port and the wet dock is 
afforded by a lock. (For dimensions, see Appendix II.) 

A vessel drawing 23 feet can enter the basin at neaps at almost 
any time, and at springs from four hours before to four hours after 


high water. 

Vessels of less than 100 tons net tonnage can only pass into the 
lock during the half hour before high water, but by special permis¬ 
sion they can pass in when the lock is opened for larger vessels. No 
vessels can enter at night after high water. 

The gates of the lock are opened at 3 hours before high water 
and closed half an hour after high water, but the lock is worked at 


308 POINTE DU GEOUIN DU OOU-POINTE d’aEVEET. 

any time of the day if the draft of the vessel going into it is less than 
16 feet, the level of the outer port. Application to leave the basin 
must be made to the harbor office in summer before 6 p. m.; in winter 
before 5 p. m. 

The quays around the basin are provided with railroads, 1 of 
which is extended to the outer port wharf. These railroads are in 
connection with the French svstem. 

There are weigh bridges capable of weighing up to 39 and 19J 
tons, one hand crane to lift 10 tons, 13 movable steam cranes to lift 
1^ tons, and 3 others smaller. Water standpipes are placed on the 
quays to supply drinking water. 

The quays of the basin, the lock, and the piers are lighted with 
electric light. Near the basin is a tricolored chimney, which forms 
a mark for the approach to La Pallice from the Pertuis d'Anticche. 

Docks.—There are two dry docks in the southwestern corner of 
the wet dock. (See Appendix II.) 

Signals.—The following signals are made from a jyiast placed on 
the north side of the lock entrance: 

Two black balls or 2 lights placed vertically: There is no entry 
into the outer port. 

A black ball or a red light: There is entry into the outer port, but 
not into the basin. 

A black ball and a flag, white with a-blue border, or a red and a 
white light placed vertically: There is entry into the outer port to 
go into the lock. 

A white flag with a blue border, or a white light: There is entry 
into the outer port and into the basin; all gates open. 

When access to the lock is obstructed a green flag is hoisted on the 
yardarm of the flagstaff by day and a green lantern light at night. 
No attempt must be made to enter the lock until these signals are 
lowered. A vessel wishing to enter the lock at either end must give 
four blasts with a steam whistle, or hoist two flags of any descrip¬ 
tion, one over the other on the same mast. 

Pilots.—The pilots of La Rochelle and of He de Re take vessels 
into La Pallice port, but the former only take them out. 

Tides and tidal streams.—The flood stream sets northward off 
the entrance of the port with a greater velocity of about If knots an 
hour, and the ebb sets southward, but its velocity does not exceed 11 
knots. 

Coal.—The facilities for coaling are good; vessels coal alongside 
the south quay of the wet dock. About 22,000 tons of coal are 
usually in stock. 

Communication.—Steamers of the following lines call at La 
Roclielle-Pallice: 


309 


LA ROCHELLF. 

The Pacific Steam Navigation Co., between Liverpool and Val¬ 
paraiso fortnightly, and between Liverpool and Argentine ports and 
Callao everv month. 

The Nederland Line of Amsterdam and the Rotterdam Lloyd, once 
a month, alternately, on outward voyage to Dutch East Indies. 

The Westindiske Kompani of Copenhagen once a month outward 
on the following route: Copenhagen, Antwerp, La Rochelle-Pallice, 
Bilbao, St. Thomas, Habana, Vera Cruz, Tampico, Progreso. 

The Russian Finska Lloyd to Quebec and Montreal from April to 
October. 

The Compagnie Beige Maritime du Congo, occasionally both on 
outward and homew T ard voyages. 

The East Asiatic Steamship Co. of Copenhagen once a month on 
outward voyage to the East. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed at La Pallice; also line¬ 
throwing apparatus. 

La Rochelle Bay.—The steep cliffs on the north side of this bay, 
which is comprised between Pointes de Chef de Baie and Minimes, 
are bordered by rocks, drying at low water, which extend farther 
from the shore as the bay is entered. On these rocks the north part 
of the Cardinal Mole was built, some parts of which uncover over 3 
feet. 

Tower.—The southern extremity of this part of the mole is marker! 
by Richelieu Tower, 1 which is painted black and has a cylindrical 
top mark 18 feet above high water. On its seaward side a tide gauge 
is painted, indicating the height of water in La Rochelle Channel. 

Pointe des Minimes, which borders the south side of the bay, is 
surrounded by rocks, uncovering at low water. 

The south part of the Cardinal Mole, which dries nearly 6 feet, is 
on these rocks opposite Richelieu Tower and extends from the pro¬ 
longation of Lazaret Mole to 200 feet from the channel. 

Eastward of the mole are mud banks, which uncover completely. 
In the northern bank is a rocky flat, which dries 10 feet at lowest 
water. 

Anchorage.—There is anchorage eastward of Lavardin Shoal, 
which shelters it a little from seaward. Approach with La Rochelle 
Lighthouses in line until the North Pier Lighthpuse of La Pallice 
opens eastward of the South Pier Lighthouse, when steer northeast¬ 
ward and anchor in 3J fathoms, mud, with Ste. Marie Church in line 
with Lavardin Tower and the upper lighthou.se of La Rochelle be¬ 
tween the 2 towers at the entrance of the port. 

i ■ . . . i ■ t 

1 The Richelieu tower has been destroyed, hut a similar tower has been built in its 
place, the summit being 18 feet above high water. The old tower is being rebuilt, and 
the works are marked by three mooring buoys. 



310 


POINTE DU GROU1N DU COU—POINTE d'aRVERT. 


At night keep La Rochelle lights in line until the red light of La 
Pallice is open eastward of the green light of that port, when haul 
to the northeastward and anchor, keeping Chauveau Light open 
south of that of Lavardin. 

Vessels roll very much here in heavy weather from seaward. 

La Rochelle Channel, the direction of which is given by the 
alignment of the 2 lighthouses of La Rochelle, passes over a hard 
sand bottom, which for 800 yards westward of Richelieu Tower has a 
depth of 2 feet on it at lowest water, as charted. In bad weather from 
seaward the sea rises on the shallows, and then vessels must not enter 
without sufficient water to allow for scending. Inside Richelieu 
Tower the lighthouses must be kept exactly in line to keep in the 
deepest part of the channel, which is stated to be maintained at a 
depth of 3 feet at lowest water for a width of 115 feet, but the chart 
shows depths of 1 foot in places. 

About mile within Richelieu Tower and on the southern side of 
the channel is a red beacon, surmounted by a triangle, which marks 
the outer end of the south pier of the outer port. 

Port of La. Rochelle.—This port comprises an outer port, a tidal 
harbor, an outer basin, and an inner basin. 

Navigability.—Vessels drawing 14 feet can proceed through the 
channel and enter the port at high water neaps, and those drawing 
19 feet can do so at high water springs. 

The outer port, at the end of the channel, communicates with the 
outer basin on its eastern and with the tidal harbor on its northern 
side. The bottom is of very soft mud, and a depth of from 1 to 3 
feet is maintained by sluicing. 

The tidal harbor, northeastward of the outer port, is entered by 
an opening, 82 feet in width, lying between the Tower des Dames or 
de la Chaine on the western side and the Tower St. Nicolas on the 
eastern. It is frequented by numerous fishing boats, which- ground 
on a large bank of soft mud on the western side of the harbor, and 
some coasters, which moor alongside the east quay. 

On the eastern side of the harbor and in the entrance there is a 
least depth of 1 foot at lowest water, as charted. 

On the northern side is a landing pontoon, used by the steamers 
which run between La Rochelle and the lies de Re and d’Oleron. 

Alongside the east quay is a gridiron. (See Appendix II.) 

The outer or new basin is formed of two rectangles at right angles, 
of which the western sides are in prolongation and run north and 
south. At the southern end is a slip. 

On the quays around the basin are railroads which are connected 
with the railroad system and there are several traveling steam cranes. 

The basin communicates with the outer port by an entrance which 
is opened in daytime from 1J hours before to \ hour after high water. 


LA ROCHELLE. 


311 


During this time a pilot flag is hoisted at the outer signal mast on St. 
Nicolas Tower. At night the gates are opened at about high water 
for the entry and egres of steam vessels and vessels in tow, but no 
notice of the opening is given by signal. The axis of the entrance 
to this basin is marked by two lamp posts placed in line at the head 
of the basin. One of these lamps shows a red light, the other a green 
light. The gates are not opened in heavy westerly gales. 

At the northeastern angle of the basin is another entrance, which 
permits communication with the ditches of the fortification and the 
Canal de Marans. (For dimensions of basin, see Appendix II.) 

The inner or old basin, eastward of and entered from the tidal 
harbor, is especially occupied by vessels either dismantled or making 
a long stay. It is open from 1J hours before to 14 hours after high 
water; during this time the pilot flag is hoisted at the basin entrance. 
The south side of the basin is occupied by a slip. (For dimensions; 
see Appendix II.) 

Flushing.—The channel is frequently flushed with water from a 
basin northeastward of the tidal harbor, and at spring tides from 
the outer basin. Care is then required on account of the stream if 
entering, and vessels in the harbor must be properly secured. These 
operations are indicated by a blue ball hoisted at the entrance of the 
basin. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at La Rochelle at 3h. 
30m.; springs rise 161 feet, neaps rise 12f feet above low-water ordi¬ 
nary springs, mean neap range Tf feet. Low-water ordinary springs 
is about 2§ feet, and ordinary neaps 7§ feet, above lowest water. 

Pilots.—The pilots of La Rochelle have well-rigged boats in which 
they are accustomed to cruise in the offing of the Pertuis. They have 
charge of the pilotage of vessels to and from La Rochelle and also 
from La Pallice. 

La Itochelle, a picturesque but dull commercial town, is the capital 
of the Department of the Charente Inferieure. It is noted for the 
memorable siege for 14 months in 1628-9, by Richelieu, which re¬ 
duced the population from 27,000 to 5,000. The population in 1911 
'was 36,371. 

There are no usual customhouse or quarantine regulations and no 
diseases against which special precautions are necessary. 

Hospital.—Sailors are admitted to a hospital on a request from 
the consul and is guarantee for expenses. 

Repairs.—At La Rochelle are several works which undertake the 
repair of vessels and machinery. Twelve tons of iron can be melted 
and run at one time; cylinders of 72 inches diameter can be cast and 
bored; boilers can be made or repaired; shafts can be forged and 
turned; pipes can be brazed—the three last mentioned up to any 


21235°—17-21 



312 POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU—POINTS d'aRVERT. 

size; masts can be made and boats built. Large repairs to machinery 
can be effected. There are two repairing slips and a gridiron. 

Consul. —The United States is- represented by a consul and vice 
consul. 

Supplies.— Provisions can be obtained. 

Communication.— Steamers run regularly to Havre, Dunkirk, 
Bayonne, frequently to foreign ports, and daily to the lies de Be and 
d’Oleron. There is also railroad and telegraphic communication. 

Trade. —The principal exports at the ports of La Bochelle and 
La Pallice are brandy, wine, pyrites, etc., and the imports coal, wood, 
wine, pyrites, manure, etc. 

In 1913, 474 steam vessels of 828,826 tons and 30 sailing vessels of 
23,239 tons entered the port of La Bochelle-Pallice. 

La Bochelle is the most important fishing port in France with the 
exception of Boulogne. 

Canal from La Bochelle to Marans.— A canal runs from the 
port of La Bochelle to Marans, a distance of 13 miles. It is used by 
boats drawing up to 4 feet of water, which are towed by horses or 

i 

tugs. 

Coast.— The coast from La Bochelle Bay to La Charente is of little 
height, and is bordered in places by rocks, drying at low water, which 
extend about 1,600 yards from the shore at Pointe de Boux and in the 
bay southward of Pointe du Che. Off Pointe de Chatelaillon they 
uncover for a distance of 2 miles from the point, and are marked by 
a black iron beacon with a cylindrical topmark 21 feet above high 
water, placed on the Cornard, J mile eastward of their western ex¬ 
tremity. La Torge Bock, on the inner part of the reef, about 0.6 
mile off Pointe de Chatelaillon, dries 19 feet. Shoal water extends 
for a distance of about 3 miles off this coast. 

Anse de Fouras, comprised between the Pointes de Chatelaillon 
and de l’Epee, serves as a grounding place for fishing boats in sum¬ 
mer. The boats are hauled on shore on the approach of strong- 
northwesterly winds. The bottom is entirely mud, dry at low water, 
and rises gradually toward the shore. 

Les Mannes, a rocky flat situated in the middle of the Anse de 
Fouras, on the line joining Pointes de l’Epee and Chatelaillon, dries 
4J feet at lowest water. 

Clearing mark. —Chateau d'Oleron, open westward of Fort 
d’Enet, leads westward of Les Mannes. 

Port Nord de Fouras. —A mole has been constructed northward 
of Fouras village, which shelters Traversiers Boad or Port Nord 
de Fouras. Fishing boats are only able to use this port between 
half flood and half ebb. 

There is a gridiron at Port Nord de Fouras. See Appendix II. 


ILE d’aIX. 


313 


Light.— On the end of the mole a fixed white light is shown from 
a white lamp-post 21 feet above high water, visible 7 miles in clear 
weather. (See Light List.) 

Pointe de P Aiguille—Beacons. —A mole, 560 feet in length, has 
been constructed northward of this point and is nearly always ac¬ 
cessible to boats. A red beacon with crescent top mark is placed on 
its northern end. Rocks, which uncover 7J feet at lowest water and 
are marked near Pointe de l’Aiguille by 2 beacons, extend 1.1 miles 
westward of that point as far as Le Chiron Rock, which is marked 
by a black beacon and is very near the Fosse d’Enet. On these rocks 
is built Fort d’Enet, which is joined by a causeway to the railroad 
from Pointe de l’Aiguille to Rochefort. 

lie d’Aix, at the southeastern extremity of the Pertuis d’Antioche, 
is a low islet having the form of a semicircle of about 1 mile in 
diameter, with the convex side toward the northwest. There are 
two forts on it, Fort Liedo on its northern side, the other at Ste. 
Catherine Point, the southern extremity. There are also several 
fortifications on its western side and on Pointe de Coudepont, the 
eastern extremity. On the narrowest part of the isle is a wood. 
Boats lie at all times of tide at a jetty established at the southeastern 
part of Ste. Catherine Point. 

Dangers—Beacons. —The isle is surrounded by a muddy plateau 
on which a depth of If fathoms is found f mile northward of Pointe 
du Parc, the northwestern extremity of the isle. 

Rocks drying at low water extend nearly mile westward of the 
northwestern side of the isle and are marked by a black and white 
iron beacon with a diamond top mark, 16 feet above high ivater, 
about 400 yards from their western extremity, northward of the 
Jamblet Rocks, and farther southward by a black iron beacon with a 
cylindrical top mark, 14 feet above high water, placed on the western 
edge of the Tridoux Rocks. 

Southward of Aix Isle Road, and between the Boyard Shoal and 
the Plateau des Palles, is a rocky shoal, with 9 feet least water on it, 
named Roches du Sud Est, separated from the Plateau des Palles by 
a channel named the South Passage. 

Southeastward of the isle muddy fiats uncover at low water for a 
distance of f mile from it. In these flats are two rocky banks named 
Petit Boucard and Grand Fauchon. 

Clearing marks. —Cornard Beacon in line with the southern part 
of Garde Wood, 68°, leads 1,800 yards northward of the isle in a depth 
of 2f fathoms at lowest water; Perotine Lighthouse touching the 
western side of Fort Boyard, bearing 200°, leads westward in depths 
of 3 fathoms; Moese Church bearing 135° southwestward of Madame 


314 


POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 


Isle Fort, southwestward; and Madame Isle open eastward of Fort 
d’Enet bearing 162° eastward in 2J fathoms. 

Semaphore. —A semaphore is established on the western side of 
Aix Isle, over a small tower painted yellow, situated 400 yards north¬ 
eastward of the lighthouse. The auxiliary mast by which communi¬ 
cation is made bv the international code, is southward of the tower. 

Hade de File d’Aix, comprised between that isle and the Boyard 
Shoal is accessible at all hours of the tide to the largest ships. The 
shelter is excellent with winds from northeast through east to south 1 
west, but winds from other directions, especially northwest, cause 
sufficient sea to inconvenience boats. 

Prohibited anchorage. —Anchorage is prohibited in Aix Road 
between the parallel of Pointe du Parc and the line joining Fort 
Boyard to Ste. Catherine Point. 

Tidal streams. —The stream through the roads sets southeastward 
during the flood, and northwestward during the ebb. The greatest 
velocity of the flood is 31 knots and of the ebb 3 knots. 

Northeast coast of Oleron. —From the Rocher d’Antioche to the 
Port du Douhet the coast is bordered for a width of about 1,600 yards 
by rocky flats drying at low water. Beyond these reefs there are shoals 
of rock and sand; between the shoals and La Longe Shoal is a passage 
about 1 mile wide by which the Rade des Trousses can be reached, 
preserving a depth of 4J fathoms at lowest water. 

Anse de la Fosse. —Northeastward of St. Denis and about 2 miles 
eastward of Chassiron Lighthouse there is a deepening between the 
rocks frequented by pilots and fishing boats, and also by coasters 
waiting tide to enter the port of St. Denis. They moor at a buoy in 
24 feet placed for this purpose, or anchor in about 6 feet at lowest 
water, sheltered by the land and the Palles Rocks; but with north¬ 
westerly winds there is much swell, and vessels should go up the 
Pertuis. St. Denis Church in line with the jetty leads in, until 
Chassiron Lighthouse is in line with the buoy, when steer for the 
buoy. 

Beacon.— The northern edge of the Palles Rocks is marked by a 
red iron beacon with a conical top mark, 33 feet above high water. 

Port de St. Denis. —This little port is formed by an openwork 
breakwater and by a mole. The shelter is sufficient with winds from 
seaward, although some swell is then experienced, but it is bad with 
easterly or southeasterly winds. 

Tidal streams. —In the vicinity of St. Denis the flood stream sets 
southeastward with a greatest velocity of 2 knots; the ebb northeast¬ 
ward with a velocity of 3 knots. The streams are strongest at half 
tide. Slack water begins .about 1 hour before high water and lasts 
about 1 hour. 


TLE DELETION. 


315 


Life-saving. —A lifeboat is stationed at St. Denis. It can be put 
in the water at any time of tide. There is also a line-throwing gun. 

Pilots. —There is at St. Denis a station of special pilots for the 
port, but if a vessel going to the Gironde is embayed on the west 
coast of Oleron and requires a pilot, the pilot of St. Denis has the 
right to pilot her, keeping hoisted the signal for a pilot of the 
Gironde. In case of necessity the lifeboat of St. Denis or La 
Cotiniere would take the pilot to the vessel. 

Beacons. —St. Denis Beacon, red, iron, with a conical top mark, 
28 feet above high water, is placed on the rocks 1,400 yards east- 
southeastward of port of St. Denis, and there are 2 beacons—one 
black, the other red—at the entrance of the port. 

Directions. —To enter Port de St. Denis by day steer 207° for 
Decombes Mill, seen midway between St. Denis Beacon and the 
harbor beacons, until Fort Boyard is in line with St. Denis Beacon. 
This mark astern leads between the red and black beacons at the 
entrance of the port. 

Port du Douhet—Beacon. —This small port, situated at the west¬ 
ern part of the Anse de Malconche, is surrounded by rocky flats 
drying at low water, of which the highest head, named the Gros 
Roc, lies about 300 yards north-northeastward of the entrance, and 
is marked by a red beacon with a conical top mark. Vessels ground 
inside the moles forming the outer sides of the port, on rocky bottom 
covered with sand, which dries 11 feet at lowest water. The entrance 
between the moleheads is 65 feet wide. A red beacon with triangular 
top mark is on the head of the north mole. A groyne has been con¬ 
structed to prevent the accumulation of sand in the port. It extends 
in a northeasterlv direction from the inner end of the northern mole 
for a distance of 136 yards. 

Canal.— A canal about 1.8 miles in length connects Port du Douhet 
with the village of St. Georges. Part of the canal is used as a wet 
dock (see Appendix II) and also serves for flushing the Port du 
Douhet. About 0.6 mile from the entrance to the canal is a quay, 
about 55 yards in length, where vessels lie. The bottom width of the 
canal up to this point is 19 feet. 

Flushing. —The port is flushed at every tide both day and night. 
The sluices are opened one hour before low water and remain open 
one hour at springs and U hours at neaps. The operation is an¬ 
nounced by a blue flag hoisted at half tide. 

Signals. —The signals for entering the harbor are: 

The old pilot flag, white with blue border, at half-mast: There is 
not enough water for entering. 

The same flag right up: There is sufficient water for entering. 

The same flag hoisted right up and immediately lowered: The en¬ 
trance is obstructed. 


316 POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 

A vessel must indicate that she is making for the harbor by hoist¬ 
ing her colors or sounding her whistle. 

Vessels waiting tide to enter anchor about a mile eastward of the 
port. 

Directions. —From seaward, having rounded the R ocher d’An- 
tioche, keeps Fouras Old Tower open southward of Aix Isle Sema¬ 
phore bearing 115°, until St. Pierre Church bears 183°, when steer 
for it; and when Douhet Mill, white, without sails, is in line with 
the beacon at the end of the north mole, steer for the entrance. 

Tidal streams. —At 2 miles northeastward of Le Douhet the flood 
stream sets southward and the ebb northward. The greatest velocity 
of the flood is 14 knots, of the ebb 1.2 knots, at half tide. The tide 
is about one-hour later than at He d’Aix. The flood lasts PJ hours 
at springs and 5 hours at neaps, at which tides the slack lasts 40 
minutes and 1 hour, respectively. 

Measured mile. —A mile for speed trials has been measured be¬ 
tween Le Douhet and Pointe des Saumonards. The direction to 
follow is the white mill of Douhet in line with a black beacon bear¬ 
ing 90° off that mill. Two pairs of beacons indicate the ends of the 
mile, besides which a small buoy is anchored outside each end on the 
line of direction. 

East coast of Oleron—La Perotine. —The eastern part of lie 
d‘01eron is formed of ground situated below the level of high water, 
which covers and drains off at each tide by a number of canals. A 
canal from La Saurine joins the sea at La Perotine Point, where a 
mole forms the end of its right bank. Vessels at La Perotine lie at a 
quay on the left bank, where there are 11^ feet of water at high- 
water springs and 7^ feet at high-water neaps. A steamer makes a 
daily service between La Rochelle and La Perotine. Landing can 
also be made at any time of tide at Boyardville, which is situated 

at the mouth of the fairway to La Perotine. 

• 

Buoy. —A red conical buoy with conical top mark has been placed 
at the mouth of the fairwav to La Perotine. 

Bade des Trousses.— In front of La Perotine is Trousses Road, 
which has over a large area a bottom of muddy sand, excellent hold¬ 
ing ground. It is well sheltered by the Longe and Boj^ard Shoals 
and Pointe des Saumonards, but is accessible to large vessels only 
with a tidal rise. Fresh northwesterly winds cause a choppy sea 
inconvenient for boats during the ebb. Large vessels anchor in the 
western part of the road in from 5^ to 6^ fathoms at lowest water 
between the following limits: To the northeast, Chassiron Light¬ 
house, in line with Saumonards Point; to the east, the tall chimney 
at Marennes, in line with Juliar Tower bearing 159°; to the south, 
the towers of Fouras, in line bearing 71°; and to the west, Mourier 


ILE D'OLERON. 


317 


Wood bearing 148° open its width east of Juliar Tower. It is reached 
by two passages—one westward of La Longe, named West Passage, 
and the other the South Passage. The passage westward of La 
Longe is the deeper (4J fathoms), but it is not always the safer, 
for the heavy swell entering the Pertuis d’Antioche over its whole 
width becomes very deep on the shoal water in the approach to the 
passage, and a vessel must have sufficient water under her to prevent 
touching the ground when scending. 

Mooring buoy.—A mooring buoy for the use of large vessels lies 
in the road -J mile north-northeastward of the end of La Perotine 
Mole, and about 500 yards northwestward of the mooring buoy is 
a buoy for adjustment of compasses. 

Prohibited anchorage.—Anchorage is prohibited in that portion 
of West Passage between the Boyard Shoal and Oleron Isle, limited 
northward by the line joining the north ends of Forts Lagalisson- 
niere (on Pointe des Saumonards) and Boyard, and southward by 
Fort Boyard open its width northward of Pointe du Parc. 

Dangers.—La Sabliere, a bank of sand dry at low water, south¬ 
ward of the Bade des Trousses, extends from 1 to 1.7 miles eastward 
from the shore of He d’Oleron. 

Buoy.—The eastern side of the Sabliere is marked by a red conical 
buoy, with conical topmapk, moored 1.6 miles eastward of Pointe 
d’Arseaux. 

La Traverse, on the southern side of the Bade des Trousses, is a 
rocky bank, with 1J fathoms least water, extending 1 mile northeast¬ 
ward from La Sabliere. There is a depth of 2 fathoms on its north¬ 
ern part. 

Clearing mark.—Moulin de St. Laurent (nearly 1.5 miles east¬ 
ward of Fort de la Pointe, Charente Biver), open northward of lie 
Madame bearing 80°, leads northward of La Traverse. 

Directions to the Bade des Trousses.—From a position 400 
yards southwest of the buoy of the Bout de la Longe, a 132° course 
will lead through the West Passage to the anchorage, leaving two 
black conical buoys on the starboard hand. 

When Chassiron Lighthouse is in line with Saumonards Point, 
bearing 295°, anchor in a depth of 6 fathoms, mud, in the prolonga¬ 
tion of Perotine Jetty. 

South passage.—To pass between the Bodies du Sud-Est and the 
Plateau des Palles in depths of 18 feet at lowest water, keep Aix 
Semaphore Tower its breadth open westward of the western end of 
the new wall of the fortifications of Bade Fort on Pointe Ste. Cathe¬ 
rine, then proceed to the Bade des Trousses, with the commandant's 
house at Boyardville in line with la Perotine Pier end bearing 260°, 
and Chassiron Lighthouse in line with Saumonards Point bearing 
295°. 


318 


POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 


Tides and tidal streams.—The time of high water and the rise 
in Trousses Road is the same as at Aix Isle. The flood stream sets 
southeastward with a velocity of 2^ knots at springs and 1^ knots at 
neap tides, and the ebb sets northwestward with a velocity of 2 knots 
at springs and 1 knot at neaps. Slack water lasts J hour; it begins 
40 minutes before high Avater at springs and 1 hour 25 minutes at 
neaps. 

Fertuis d’Antioche—General directions.—From the northward 
pass the western side of the He de Re, with Chassiron Lighthouse 
bearing 132°, or do not close the lie to less than 3 miles or to a depth 
of less than 10 fathoms. 

From the southward, having made Chassiron Lighthouse, keep at 
least 3 miles from the coast of the He d'Oleron and from Chassiron 
Point, where the sea is often A^ery heavy. See also Approach to Les 
Pertuis and directions for Pertuis Breton. 

To Hade de La Pallice.—Being in the middle of the entrance of 
the Pertuis d'Antioche bring the wood of La Garde in line Avith 
Angoulin mill bearing 93°, which leads along the southern side of 
the lie de Re in not less than 9 fathoms water, passing soutlrward 
of the black-light buoy marking the southern extremity of the Plateau 
de Chauveau; then steer 37° with the large tricolored chimney of La 
Pallice docks in line with Lavardin Tower. When Ste. Marie Church 
is in line with Chauveau Lighthouse steer for midway betAveen La 
Pallice and Sablanceaux Point until Fort Boyard is in line with 
Lavardin Tower, which mark kept on astern leads to La Pallice 
Road. 

At night approach the Pertuis Avith Chauveau Light slioAving 
Avhite, taking care not to close Chassiron Point within 3 miles, and 
when Chassiron Light bears 165°, distant 3 miles, steer about 92°. 
Aix Isle Light shows red over the shoals on the northern side of 
Oleron and AAdiite when clear of them. Keep the 2 lights of La 
Rochelle in line when they come on until Chauveau Light changes from 
red to Avhite bearing 342°. Then steer toAvard La Pallice Lights, 
keeping them open westward of Lavardin Light, and having pro¬ 
ceeded about \ mile in this direction steer 15° into La Pallice Road, 
passing 600 yards westward of Lavardin Light and anchoring with 
that light bearing 171°. 

To La Rochelle.—By day, approaching from seaward through 
Pertuis d’Antioche, proceed as directed for La Pallice, and Avhen 
southward of the Plateau de Chauveau bring the two lighthouses ot 
La Rochelle in line bearing 59°, which mark leads to the port. From 
the northAvard the ruins of the abbey of St. Laurent seen betAveen the 
tAvo mounds of Fort de la Pree, bearing 308°, leads southwestward 
of the rocks off Pointe de Chef de Vaie, and when Rochelle Light¬ 
houses are in line proceed toAvard them. 


DIRECTIONS. 


319 


At night, from seaward, proceed as directed for La Pallice, and 
when La Rochelle Lights are in line bearing 59° steer toward them. 

To the Rade des Basques.—From a position 3 miles northward 
of Chassiron Point Lighthouse steer 92° until the old tower of Fouras 
is seen over the middle of the He d’Aix and open north of the wood on 
that isle and of the Fort d’Enet, bearing 120°, which mark leads to 
the anchorage. A wreck is charted about J mile southwestward of 
this line, situated 77° 4.7 miles from the Chassiron Point Lighthouse. 

At night proceed as directed above for approaching La Pallice, and 
steer 118° on the line of separation of the red and white sectors of 
lie d’Aix Light, where the flashes appear successively white and red. 
When La Pallice Lights are nearly in line with Lavardin Light, or 
when the latter light bears 23° steer 90° and anchor when Chauveau 
Light shows white, in 8 fathoms, soft mud. 

To Bade de Pile d’Aix.—From seaward follow the directions 
given for approaching Basque Roads until Moese Spire is in line 
with the guardhouse on Piedemont Point, bearing 133°, which mark 
leads eastward of La Longe Shoal, through the East Passage, to the 
Rade de Pile d’Aix, where anchor in about 6 fathoms, mud, when 
Ste. Catherine Point is in line with Coudepont Point. Vessels of 
suitable draft can anchor farther southeastward, north or south of 
the line of the Charente leading lights, with the ruins of Chatelaillon 
open eastward of Pointe de Coudepont, in from 4 to 5 fathoms. A 
small vessel can anchor nearer Ste. Catherine Point in a depth of 16 
feet at lowest water. 

At night keep Chauveau white light bearing 341° until La 
Charente leading lights come in line bearing 115°, and anchor a 
little northward or southward of this line with Aix Light bearing 
43° in 6 fathoms, mud. It is necessary to anchor northward of a*line 
from Chassiron Light to the north side of Fort Boyard bearing 288°. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, at 
the lie d’Aix at 3 h. 35 m.; springs rise 16f feet, neaps rise 13 feet, 
above low water ordinary springs; mean neap range 8£ feet. The 
height of low water ordinary springs is about 2f feet, and of low 
water ordinary neaps 6J feet, above lowest water. 

Off the entrance of the Pertius d’Antioche the stream sets onshore 
while the water is rising at Brest. 

The stream behaves in the Pertuis d’Antioche as if the tidal wave 
struck obliquely the southern coast of the He de Re, and there di¬ 
vided into 2 branches, of which one, the smaller, runs over the 
shallows which extend between La Rochelle and the He d’Aix, and 
passes through the Fosse d’Enet, where it runs with a velocity of 2 to 3 
knots. The other is engulfed in the head of the Pertuis and the 
Coureaux d’Oleron. 


320 POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 

At the head of the Pertuis it is high water later than at the He 
d’Aix, and when the ebb is established the waters which pass west¬ 
ward of that isle are higher than those northward of it. The waters 
from La Charente at the commencement of the ebb tend, not toward 
the road of the lie d’Aix, but toward the Fosse d’Enet, where the 
water is lower. Later, when the difference of level is less, the mass of 
water from La Charente escapes by the westward. 

The Coureau de La Pallice, the passage between lie de Re and 
La Pallice, is too narrow for the tides of the Pertuis Breton to have 
any influence on those of the Pertuis d’Antioche; however, at high 
water, it is slack water between the Lavardin and Cliauveau, while 
at low water the stream sets southwestward. 

It happens from this that at high water the stream going through 
the Coureau from south to north is stopped by the water, which, 
arriving freely by the Pertuis Breton, is at a higher level. At low 
water the stream continues southward because the water is lower in 
the Pertuis d’Antioche than at the head of the Pertuis Breton. 

In the vicinity of Chassiron Point the flood stream rounds that 
point and enters the Pertuis d’Antioche; the first of the flood makes 
itself felt along the northern coast of the lie d’Oleron. In the middle 
of the Pertuis and near the lie de Re the ebb stream continues north¬ 
westward for nearly an hour after low water. 

The ebb stream also makes itself felt first along the northern coast 
of the lie d’Oleron. 

The last of both flood and ebb are found along the southern coast 
of the He de Re. 

The velocity of the streams is moderate. In the middle of the 
Pertuis it is 1J knots during the ebb and 1^ knots during the flood. 
But near the points and on approaching the Charente velocities of 
3 knots are experienced. 

River Charente rises in the Department of Haute Vienne, 12 
miles from Chalus, and thence flows northward to Civray. It then 
bends westward and southward to Mansle, when it becomes tortuous, 
but still retains its southerly direction to Angouleme. From Angou- 
leme it flows westward, passing Cognac and Saintes, then turns 
northward, pursuing a winding course to the Pointe Fort on the right 
and Port des Barques on the left bank, below which its shores form 
an estuary 5 miles in length. 

The course of the river is about 200 miles and is navigable for 
small vessels as far as Montignac, 60 miles from its mouth, and for 
vessels of much draft to Tonnay Charente, 3.5 miles above Rochefort, 
which is 10 miles from its mouth. At low water there are only a few 
feet of w r ater in the entrance to and in the river. Flowing generally 
through a rich and fertile valley, it is of great importance. 


CHARENTE RIVER. 


321 


Port Sud de Fouras.—Between Forts d’Enet and de la Pointe 
the coast describes an arc of a circle, at the middle of which are the 
village and Port Sud de Fouras. There are at Fouras, besides a 
high white steeple and a large new tower, the old signal tower, which 
may be seen from all the Pertuis d’Antioche, and old fortifications, 
at the foot of which is a small jetty with a black beacon at its end. 
The depth of water in the port, which dries, is 8 feet at high-water 
springs and 3 feet at neaps. 

Time signal.—A ball, hoisted 5 minutes before the signal, at the 
mast of Fouras tower, is dropped by electricity from the naval 
observatory at 10 a. m., or 22h. Greenwich mean time. The signal is 
repeated at 22h. 2m. Greenwich mean time. The ball is elevated 
160 feet above the sea and 107 feet above the ground. The drop of 
the ball is 44^ feet. 

The position of the tower is latitude 45° 59' 10" N., longitude 
1° 5' 50" W. 

Depths—From Aix Isle to Rochefort.—The shoals which limit 
the navigation of this part of the river are the bar of Fouras or 
outer bar, the Lupin or interior bar, and Charras. Fouras Bar and 
the Lupin are of soft mud and have depths of 2 feet over them at 
lowest water; that of Charras is of hard mud, with a depth of 3 feet 
on it. The lower part of the Charente is being deepened. 

Between Le Vergerou and Rochefort the river has been dredged 
with a view of making a channel 130 feet in width at the bottom, and 
it is intended to dredge the river between Le Vergerou and the outer 
bar to a depth of 10 feet at lowest water. The depths at lowest water 
are: Between Le Vergerou and Martroux, from 1J to 4 fathoms; 
abreast Martroux, 2 fathoms; between Martroux and Rochefort, from 
1 to 2J fathoms; and abreast Rochefort, from 2J to 4J fathoms, as 
charted. Charras Shoal, the most important on account of the small 
depth on it and the hardness of the bottom, may be passed over by a 
vessel drawing 19J feet at 700 tides in a year, by a vessel drawing 23 
feet at 370 tides in a year, and by a vessel drawing 26 feet at 6 tides 
in a year. 

Pilots.—The pilots of the outer station of the Charente reside at 
Port des Barques and at Fouras. They have the exclusive right of 
taking any vessel liable to pilotage as far as the southern end of 
Rochefort. On arriving at Martroux they hoist the signal for a 
pilot of the inner station, and if that pilot does not present himself 
they may take the vessel to the basin of commerce at Rochefort or 
to Tonnay-Charente. In going down the river the outer pilots take 
charge of merchant vessels at Soubise. 

Both entering and leaving the passage of the military port every 
vessel above 70 tons is under the charge of a port official. 


322 


POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 


Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at Rochefort at 4h.; 
springs rise 16£ feet, neaps 13 feet, above low-water ordinary springs, 
which is about 2§ feet above the level of soundings on the chart; the 
mean neap range is 8-J feet. 

In neap tides high water reaches everywhere the same level be¬ 
tween Aix Isle and Rochefort, but. at springs the level rises as the 
river is ascended, and at Rochefort the mean height of high water is 
said to be 8 inches greater than at Aix Isle. 

There may be also an increase in the height of water in the river 
when there is a flood or when there are strong winds from seaward. 

Tidal streams.— The greatest ordinary velocity at Martroux of 
the flood stream is 4 knots, and of the ebb 31 knots; at Fouras, of both 
streams, 2 knots. The duration of the flood becomes shorter as the 
river is ascended, that of the ebb increasing. 

The duration of the slack at high water at the entrance of the 
river is 30 minutes at springs and 45 minutes at neaps; at Martroux 
it is 15 minutes. 

When much fresh water is coming down the river the ebb stream 
often begins before high water. It even happens that the flood is 
not felt at the surface, deep vessels being swung to the flood while 
their boats are swung to the ebb. At this time a vessel of deep draft 
may experience difficulty in steering. 

Dangers. —All the northern side of the entrance of the Charente 
is filled with soft mud, which dries at low water as far out as the line 
joining Chiron Rock to the Pointe Fort. 

Southern side—Plateau des Palles—Buoy. —At the entrance 
of the river and in prolongation of the left bank, the Plateau des 
Palles extends 2.5 miles northwestward of Madame Isle. The north¬ 
western limit of the plateau is marked by a red conical buoy with a 
conical top mark and reflectors, moored 600 yards north-northwest¬ 
ward of Le Charenton, a rocky ledge that uncovers. 

Sabliere—Buoy. —This bank, about 1.2 miles northward of 
Madame Isle, has as much water on it as there is in its vicinity, but 
it is formed of hard, muddy sand. It is marked on its northern side 
by a conical red buoy with conical top mark. 

Roches des Fontenelles and Moucliere—Buoys. —A rocky 
bank, which is awash at lowest water, extends 0.7 miles north-north- 
eastward of Madame Isle. It is marked on its northern extremity by 
the red buoy of the Fontenelles and on its eastern side by the red 
buoy of the Moucliere. 

Beacons.— Between Port des Barques and Rochefort are several 
banks marked by beacons. These are, on the right bank, St. Laurent 
Shoals, opposite Lupin Village; Charras Shoals, northeastward of 
Pointe de la Sabliere, between Charras Creek and the Redoute de 


CHARENTE RIVER. 


323 


Vergerou; the rocky shoals of Fougueux, 700 yards above Vergerou; 
on the left bank, Lupin Rocks, just above Lupin Fort; Combeau 
Shoal, below Soubise Village; and the rocks of the Avant Garde, 
between Martroux and the lower end of Rochefort, which extend 
nearly into the middle of the river. Beacons have been also placed 
above the bar of the Charente River to indicate the fairway of the 
channel. The beacons are in pairs, each being a metal post with a 
circular top mark, on which is a white letter on a black ground. 
The beacons of the same alignment bear the same letter; those which 
are common to two alignments bear two different letters. The align¬ 
ment A commences at the military port of Rochefort and the align¬ 
ment T cuts that of the lighthouses at Port des Barques. The 
alignments are continuous, one from another, except between the 
crossings of Soubise and Martroux. 

Anchorages.—At Port des Barques there is anchorage in about 
11 fathoms at lowest water, with Surgeres Point in line with the 
large red beacon at the end of Port des Barques Mole and the mills 
of Port des Barques and Le Marechal in line. The mill of Marechal 
has neither roof nor sails, and that of Port des Barques no sails. 
The holding ground is excellent and the mud so soft that vessels 
grounding remain upright. The greatest velocity of the stream is 
3 knots at springs. 

At night vessels anchor within the ray of white light shown from 
the rear or high lighthouse on the north bank. 

Vessels also anchor about 300 yards above Soubise in depths of 
2f fathoms at lowest water, about 200 yards above the upper beacon 
opposite TOrange in 3J fathoms, and at Martroux in about 3J 
fathoms. 

Directions.—From Aix Isle as far as Pointe de la Sabliere the 
river is wide and the bends are gradual, so that it may be navigated 
both ascending and descending at a speed of 10 knots, reducing speed 
if of much draft when passing over the Fouras and Lupin Bars. At 
the time of tide when this part of the river should be navigated the 
flood stream attains a velocity of 1 knot and follows the channel. 

Having left Aix Road, bring the 2 range, lighthouses on the north¬ 
ern side of the Charente in line, bearing 115°, keeping them so until 
the leading lighthouses on the south bank are in line, bearing 135°, 
which leads off Port des Barques, which place is passed by keeping 
the south end of lie Madame in line with the beacon at the end of 
the mole at Port des Barques. Having passed the front range 
lighthouse, steer parallel with the north bank, avoiding the shoal 
abreast St. Laurent by keeping the beacon on Pointe de la Parpag- 
nole in line with a small clump of trees touching on the right of the 
steeple of Breuil, which mark leads abreast Fort de Lupin. Keep 


324 


POINTE DU GROUIU DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 


along the south bank at the distance of 200 yards, to round Parpag- 
nole Point, which is often covered at high tides. Thence to Roche¬ 
fort, keep in the middle of the river, guarding against the stream 
which sets on the shoals of Charras, and avoiding the rocks at Sou- 
bise and between Martroux and Rochefort. 

From Sabliere Point to Rochefort, the river is narrow and sinuous, 
the bottom becomes harder and the stream sometimes sets across. It 
should be navigated at a speed of 6 or 7 knots, taking care to pass 
the ferries of Soubise and Martroux and the military port very 
slowly. In these conditions a vessel ascending the river with the 
stream takes about 2 hours to reach Rochefort, while the time taken 
in descending, which should be done against the stream, is 2J to 
3 hours. 

The greatest draft of vessels able to navigate the river between 
Aix Isle Road and Rochefort is determined bv Charras Shoal and is 
equal in height of the tide at Aix Isle above lowest water, increased 
by 2 feet. This allows over 1 foot of water under the vessel. Vessels 
should leave the road of Aix Isle, or Rochefort if descending, so as 
to arrive at Charras Shoal at high water. 

Rochefort military port is on the right bank of the Charente, 
and extends a length of about 1.3 miles. Vessels there lie alongside 
in depths of 23 to 26 feet at lowest water, soft mud. 

Docks.—There are at Rochefort four dry docks, also two small 
floating docks in the torpedo-boat basin. There is also a gridiron, 
situated about 10 yards above the lock entrance to No. 3 Pasin. (See 
Appendix II.) 

Docks Nos. 1, 2, and 3 are Government docks and within the 
arsenal; the old dock is outside it. 

Commercial port—Basins.—The port of commerce extends 
along the right bank above the military port. It comprises three wet 
basins. (For dimensions, see Appendix II.) 

Basin No. 1 is situated within the arsenal and communicates with 
the river by a lock. 

Basin No. 2 is outside the arsenal. Its quays are furnished with 
railways, which are connected with the French system, and on its 
eastern quay there is a crane to lift 6 tons. Twelve fresh-water 
standpipes are placed around these basins, and, if required, hose can 
be obtained from the town hall. 

Basin No. 3 is above the town and formed in two parts at an 
obtuse angle. It is entered from the river by a lock. Four fresh¬ 
water standpipes are placed on the quays. 

The gates of Basin No. 3 are opened from 1 hour before to 1 hour 
after high water, during which time a white flag with a blue border 
is hoisted at the entrance. 



ROCHEFORT. 


325 


The gates of Basins Nos. 1 and 2 are shut as soon as possible after 
high water. Vessels are admitted during 2 hours before, but with 
unusual tides this is sometimes increased. The opening of the basin 
is signaled hy a white flag with a blue border hoisted at the entrance. 
The departure of a vessel is signaled from the same places, and the 
signal is repeated at the sheers of the arsenal to indicate that passage 
can be made through the military port. Vessels not wishing to enter 
the basin, or which are waiting to enter, secure alongside wooden 
stages on the right bank with hawsers, between Basin No. 1 and 
Basin No 3, where the river is about 150 yards wide. In this part 
of the river, called the Port en Riviere, vessels drawing 21^ feet re¬ 
main afloat even at the lowest tides. 

Port regulations.—The following are taken from the regulations 
for navigation of the Charente: 

Every vessel navigating the Charente must have a kedge anchor 
ready to let go astern, with a buoy attached to the hawser. A bower 
anchor must be ready to let go—the starboard when ascending, the 
port when descending the river. 

When vessels are approaching the bends of the river at Soubise 
and Martroux from opposite directions the vessels proceeding against 
the current must diminish speed and wait until the vessel proceeding 
with the current has passed clear of the bend. At slack water the 
vessel farthest from the bend acts as if she had to current against 
her. This does not apply to small craft. 

Merchant vessels may pass through the military port during day¬ 
light. A blue and white checkered pennant, hoisted in the morning 
at St. Louis Tower and at the sheers, indicates that the passage is 
permitted. The same pennant is hoisted in the evening ^ hour 
before the port is closed, and replaced after \ hour by a white flag 
with red square in the center, the latter signifying that the port is 
closed to vessels wishing to enter and that only f hour remains for 
those wishing to leave. The flag is struck at dark. 

Steamers before entering the military port must give I long blasts 
on the steam whistle or siren, and before arriving within 300 yards of 
Soubise Ferry or Martroux they must give 6 long blasts; sailing 
vessels in the latter case give 6 blasts on the fog horn. 

All vessels, except those proceeding to the basins, must enter the 
port against the stream. Sailing vessels drifting with the tide must 
keep their bows to the stream by means of a drag on the bottom. 

The military port is liable to be closed at any time to vessels enter¬ 
ing if the movements of vessels in the port render it necessary. 

Vessels from Tonnay-Charente intending to stop at Rochefort 
must hoist the national flag at the main. 



/ 


326 POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-POINTE D'ARVERT. 

Vessels at anchor in the river must be as near as possible to one of 
the banks, and above Soubise those of more than 600 tons must moor 
so as not to swing with the change of tide. 

In addition to the lights required by the regulations, all vessels 
under way at night in the Charente must show a white light at the 
stern. Vessels of less than 600 tons at anchor must show a white 
light on the side next the channel; and those of more than 600 tons 
moored head and stern, carry two white lights—one at the bow, the 
other at the quarter of the side next the channel. 

No ashes, ballast, or anything liable to obstruct the bed of the river 
must be thrown overboard between Tonnay-Charente and the par¬ 
allel of Chassiron. 

All vessels must hoist their number on arrival at the Hade de Pile 
cl’Aix. 

The town of Rochefort, on the right bank of the Charente, is 
built partly on a height and partly on a low flat, and is surrounded 
by ramparts planted with trees. Its streets are wide, well paved, 
and cross each other at right angles. The houses are low, but neatly 
built; the only buildings of consequence are those connected with the 
naval arsenal. The largest edifice is the marine hospital, containing 
800 beds, on a hill outside the town. The staple industry is ship¬ 
building, and there is some manufacture of sails and furniture. 
The population in 1911 was 35,019. 

Supplies—Repairs.—There are at Rochefort, in the arsenal and 
in the port of commerce, all facilities to obtain provisions and water. 
Repairs can be executed. There are sheers capable of lifting 100 
tons in the arsenal. 

Coal.—There are usually 8,000 to 10,000 tons of coal in stock at 
Rochefort and Tonnay-Charente in addition to that owned by the 
Government. 

Communication.—Besides railway and telegraphic communica¬ 
tion there are steamers to Royan and Bordeaux. The telegraph 
office is open until midnight. 

Time signal.—At St. Louis Tower, Rochefort, a ball is hoisted 
close up at five minutes before signal and dropped (by electricity 
from the naval observatory) at 10 a. m. or 22h. Greenwich mean 
time. The signal is repeated at 22h. 2m. Greenwich mean time. 
The height of the ball is 143 feet above the sea, 115 feet above the 
ground, and the drop is 36 feet. 

Rochefort—Radio station.—There is a radio station at Roche¬ 
fort, open to the public from 7 a. m. to 10 p. m.; call letters F. F. R. 

From Rochefort to Tonnay-Charente, a distance of about 3.5 
miles, navigation of large vessels is carried on without any difficulty, 
the water being deep, and the bottom generally mud. 


KOCHEFOKT. 


327 


\ 


The port of Tonnay-Charente is formed by the river, on the right 
bank of which it extends about 0.9 mile. The average width of 
the river here is about 85 yards. The rise of the tide is at springs 
20J feet, and at neaps 16^ feet above lowest water of Aix Isle. Two 
large wooden wharves, furnished with railways and steam cranes, 
extend into the river to depths of 13 to 16 feet, where the vessels 
which frequent this port do not ground. Vessels drawing over 18 
feet take the ground at low-water springs, and, although the bottom 
is of tolerably hard mud mixed with pebbles, the grounding is with¬ 
out danger. 

A vertical quay 440 feet in length forms a landing place, and 
there are others smaller. The river is crossed by a suspension bridge, 
the under part of which is 72 feet above the highest tides. An in¬ 
verted gauge on a neighboring quay gives the clear height under the 
bridge at any time of tide. Above the bridge is a gridiron. (See 
Appendix II.) 

Pilots. —The inner station of the Charente extends, in entering, 
from the lower part of Rochefort to Tonnay-Charente, and in leav¬ 
ing from Tonnay-Charente to Soubise. The pilots are divided be¬ 
tween Rochefort and Tonnay-Charente. In going down the signal 
for a pilot of the outer station is hoisted at Martroux, but the inner 
station pilot takes the vessel to Port des Barques, or to sea, if no outer 
pilot answers the signal. 

Communication—Supplies.— There is at Tonnay-Charente com¬ 
munication by railway and telegraph. Provisions and coal can be 
obtained. Fresh water can be obtained in the town or can be taken 
from the river at low water. It is quite clear. 

Trade. —In 1913, 303 steam vessels, of 237,293 tons, and 15 sailing 
vessels, of 1,298 tons, entered the ports of Tonnay-Charente and 
Rochefort. 

The principal articles of export are: Brandy, residue of pyrites, 
hay, and superphosphates; and of import, coal, phosphates, wood, 
pyrites, coal tar, cereals, etc. 

Landing—Beacons. —About 2 miles southward of La Perotine is 
Pointe d’Arseaux, where there is a beaconed channel to the shore 
of He d’Oleron, used by small coasters; Arseaux Beacon, black, 700 
vards southeastward of the point, marks the entrance. La Brande 
Channel, about 1.5 miles southward of the preceding, is also used 
only by small coasters. About 1,400 yards east-northeastward of its 
entrance there is a black beacon, whence the channel is marked by 
small beacons. Rocher du Doux, 1 mile southeastward of the en¬ 
trance of this channel, dries 18 feet, and its eastern end is marked 
by a red beacon. 

Port du Chateau. —This port is frequented by numerous coasters, 
which load with wine, salt, and oysters. A steamer runs three times 
21235°—17 - 22 



328 POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-—POINTE d'aRVERT. 

daily from Le Chateau to Le Chapus, where the railway from 
Rochefort terminates, and another steamer makes a daily service 
from Le Chateau to Rochefort. Sufficient provisions for a small 
A^essel can be procured. There is also a little patent fuel, but water 
can only be obtained from fountains or reservoirs at some distance. 

The channel to the port is straight. It passes for nearly 4 mile 
from the piers through mud, then for another 200 yards through 
the Grande Mortanne Rock. It has a width of 33 feet, and it is 
maintained at the level of 2^ feet above lowest water. 

The outer port is 360 feet long. It dries 3 feet at lowest water, 
and leads into the tidal port, which is 404 feet long. 

At the end of the tidal port is a gridiron. (See Appendix II.) 

The wet basin is entered from the tidal port. (For dimensions 
see Appendix II.) At spring tides the water in the basin is used to 
flush the outer port and channel. 

Range lights. —Front: On the top of the citadel wall, a fixed 
white light, visible 8 miles, is exhibited 33 feet above high water 
from a round white turret. 

Rear: From a round white turret, 262 yards 319° from the preced¬ 
ing, a fixed white light visible 8 miles is exhibited, 77 feet above 
high water. These lights in line lead through the channel to Le 
Chateau. (See Light List.) 

Tides and tidal streams.— The streams run along the bank of 
the Grande Mortanne, the flood setting southwestward with a 
velocity of 3 knots at springs and 2 knots at neaps, and the ebb 
northeastward at a velocity of 4 knots at springs and 2 knots at neaps. 
The slack takes place 1^ hours after high water. At ordinary springs 
the rise is 20J feet, and at ordinary neaps 164 feet, above the lowest 
water. 

Pointe d'Hors. —This point is about 1.2 miles southward of Le 
Chateau. It is joined to the channel of the Coureaux by a jetty built 
on the rocks and marked by a red beacon on its outer end. 

A rocky bank, drying 5 feet at lowest water, extends 500 yards 
southward of that beacon. The Channel d’Hors, the entrance to 
which is marked by a red beacon, passes between this bank and Ade 
Rock. 

St. Trojean Channel begins about 4 mile southwestward of Ade 
Rock, which dries 10 feet, and is marked on the south side of its 
eastern entrance by a red beacon, with a conical top mark. This 
channel is frequented by numerous fishing boats and by coasters 
drawing as much as 10 feet, which load with salt. 

Life saving. —A lifeboat is stationed at St. Trojean. 

Pointe de Menson, about 1 mile southward of St. Trojean. is 
marked by two white beacons, each formed of two masts joined by 
horizontal bars, which give them the appearance of ladders. 


ILE D *OLE RON. 


329 


From La Charente to La Seudre all the eastern side of the 
Coureaux is filled with large mud flats drying at low water, in which 
are patches of rocks. These flats are crossed by many channels which 
were much frequented at the time when the salt industry of the 
country was prosperous. 

Brouage—Channel—Beacon.—The old town of Brouage, situ¬ 
ated about midway between the Charente and Seudre Rivers, is con¬ 
nected with the sea by a channel about 4 miles in length, which 
dries 5 feet at the entrance and 13 feet at Brouage. It is stated that 
vessels of 74 feet draft can reach Brouage at the highest tides. The 
entrance to the channel is indicated by a large black beacon, which, 
with those within it, is left to the eastward on entering. 

Le Chapus, situated 2.2 miles southeastward of Le Chateau on 
Oleron Isle, is frequented by fishing boats and coasters. A steam¬ 
boat runs three times daily to Le Chateau, and a railroad connects 
it with Marennes and Rochefort. 

On the northern side of the point of Chapus are two small tidal 
harbors. The Yieux Port is on the eastern side of a curved jetty 52 
yards long, concave to the eastward, and has two landing places. The 
Port Neuff lies westward of the curved jetty, and is protected on its 
west side by a jetty 45 yards long, north and south. A breakwater 
120 yards in length northwest and southeast protects these harbors 
on the north. The entrance is between the western jetty and the 
breakwater and is 38 yards wide. The harbor dries 9 feet. Tide 
gauges are placed at the western end of the breakwater and at the 
inner end of the western jetty. The zero of the former corresponds 
to zero of the charts and that of the latter to 9J feet above that level. 

On the western side of the point a causeway, 13 feet in width, ex¬ 
tends northwestward for 962 yards to Fort de Chapus. The cause¬ 
way covers at half flood. 

On the southwestern side of the point a jetty extends westward 
for 90 yards. It has a black beacon on its end and covers at high 
water. 

Life saving.—A line-throwing gun is kept at Chapus. 

Tides.—ft is high water at Chapus, full and change, at 3h. 50m. 

West coast of Oleron—Dangers.—From Chassiron Point to 
Pointe de l’Epinnette, a distance of 13 miles, the coast is bordered for 
a width of about 1 mile by almost continuous rocks. These rocks are 
prolonged by shoals, which, in bad weather from seaward, form a 
sheet of breakers extending 5 miles westward from Chardonniere 
Point and 4 miles from the south part of the isle. 

Pointe de Chardonniere, about 5.5 miles southward of Chassiron 
Lighthouse, has a refuge beacon on it. 

From Pointe de l’Epinnette the coast trends southward for 3.5 miles 
to Pointe de Gatseau, the southern extremity of He d’Oleron. 


330 


POINTE DU GROULN DU COU-POINTE dArVERT. 


Wreck.— A wreck with masts showing at high water, marked by 
a green buoy with conical top mark, lies in approximately latitude 
45° 56' 24" N., longitude 1° 29' 30" W. 

Beacons. —On Gatseau Point are two black beacons, 338 yards 
apart. When in line they lead over the bar of the Pertuis Maumus- 
son, but the alignment is altered as required to meet changes in the 
bar. 

Port de la Cotiniere. —This port, situated in the middle of the 
west coast of the isle, is open to the westerly swell and surrounded by 
rocks, which render its access difficult, if not dangerous. It is fre¬ 
quented by Royan pilots, and during summer by numerous boats of 
the sardine fishery. A jetty at the port extends 390 yards in a south¬ 
easterly direction. 

Landmarks. —For recognizing La Cotiniere, St. Pierre Tower, 
painted white at its upper end, situated in the middle of the isle about 
2 miles northeast of the port, and St. Severin Mill, a little over a mile 
east-southeastward of the port, are good marks. The beacons of 
La Cotiniere, near the shore, 600 yards northwestward of the port, 
are two black masts, one with a triangular and the other with a 
rectangular top mark. St. Severin Beacon, about 1 mile southeast¬ 
ward of La Cotiniere, is white, and formed of two Avooden masts 
with a rectangular top mark. At the port of La Cotiniere is a white 
beacon, similar to that last mentioned, erected near the lifeboat 
station. 

Beacons. —The rocks in the approach to La Cotiniere are marked 
by 1 red beacon with conical top mark, and 2 black beacons wfith 
cylindrical top marks. 

Light. —A fixed red light is exhibited, at 33 feet above high water, 
from a white cylindrical tower at the jetty head, which should be 
seen from a distance of 5 miles in clear weather. 

Life saving.— A lifeboat is stationed at La Cotiniere, and can be 
put in the Avater at half tide. 

La Perroche Bay, situated 1.5 miles southeastAvard of La 
Cotiniere, offers to fishing vessels a fairly good shelter from Avinds 
between northAvest and east, through north, but entering is dangerous 
in bad weather. The bay dries 3 feet at loAvest water. 

Beacons.— About 400 yards eastward of La Perroche Church are 
2 black masts, one having a triangular and the other a rectangular 
top-mark, which in line bearing 24° lead between the rocks into the 
bay. 

Tidal streams. —The flood stream approaches the coast of Oleron 
from the westward, and about the middle of that isle it divides into 
2 branches, Avhich run parallel with the coast, one toward the Per¬ 
tuis d’Antioche, the other toward the Pertuis de Maumusson. The 



ILE d’oLERON. 


331 


first of these streams is weak; the second increases as the Pointe de 
Gatseau is approached, where it attains a velocity of 4J knots at 
springs. For about 1^ hours the stream enter violently into the Per- 
tuis de Maumusson, causing an indraft which is felt several miles 
seaward. After half flood the velocity of the stream decreases, and at 
high water, westward of Gatseau Point, there is but a small stream 
setting toward the Gironde. 

During the ebb a strong stream sets out of the Maumusson, and 
when a little off the land it turns northwestward with a velocity 
which decreases as it advances. At low water it runs northward, 
parallel to the general direction of the shore. 

Pertuis de Maumusson separates the southern end of Oleron 
Isle from the mainland. 

Dangers—Banc de Gatseau—Buoys. —On the northern side of 
the entrance to the Pertuis is the sand bank of Gatseau, which extends 
more than 1 mile westward of Gatseau Point and uncovers at low 
water as far as ^ mile from that point. The western side of the bank 
is marked by a black spindle buoy with a cylindrical top mark, named 
Tabouret de Gatseau, and farther in on the southern side by a black 
conical buoy with a cylindrical top mark moored \ mile west-south- 
westward of the point. 

Banc des Mattes—Buoys. —On the south side of the Pertuis is 
a large sand bank drying 8 feet at lowest water, named the Banc des 
Mattes. The extremity of this bank, situated about 1.7 miles north¬ 
westward of Pointe d’Arvert, is marked by a red conical buoy with 
conical top mark, known as the bar buoy, and the northern edge is 
marked by a conical red buoy with a conical top mark, 1.2 miles north¬ 
westward of Pointe d’Arvert. 

Bar—Depth. —The above two banks are joined by the bar, a 
sand bank with a depth of 1J fathoms over it at lowest water. The 
buoys and beacons are shifted when necessary to meet changes. 

Distinguishing buoy.—A large spindle buoy, painted in red 
and black horizontal bands, with a spherical top mark, lies about 2J 
miles 266° from Gatseau Point. 

Beacons. —On Gatseau Point are 2 black frame beacons, having 
for top marks the eastern a square and the western a triangle. These 
beacons are moved to suit changes in the channel. 

On the mainland a mile eastward of Pointe d’Arvert is the beacon 
of the Galon d’Or, painted black and white, and 1.5 miles south¬ 
ward of the Galon d’Or is Gardour Beacon tower, white, square, and 
42 feet high, on a sand hill 187 feet in height, stiuated about a mile 
from the sea. 

Directions.—The ocean swell, coming directly on the banks which 
border the Pertuis de Maumusson, forms a large area of breakers, 


332 


POINTE DU GROU1N DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 


which render the channel very dangerous in bad weather from sea¬ 
ward, especially during the ebb; but in fine weather this passage 
shortens and facilitates so much the route of vessels navigating be¬ 
tween the Charente or the Seudre and the Gironde that it is very 
often used. 

It is advisable to enter only with a fair wind if under sail, and 
with a little in-going stream, that is, in the hour before high water. 

Before entering, which should not be attempted without a pilot, 
close near the distinguishing buoy, and from there notice the land¬ 
marks and the height of the swell in order to determine if there is 
enough water in the channel allowing for ascending. The depth 
in the channel is 14 fathoms at lowest water. 

To enter the Pertuis de Maumusson, approach with Gatseau Bea¬ 
cons in line. Leave the distinguishing buoy and the bar buoy on 
the starboard hand, then steer to pass southward of the black buoys 
of Tabouret and Gatseau Point, which point is rounded by sight. 

Going out of the Pertuis de Maumusson is more difficult than 
entering, because it is desirable to go against the stream. 

Coureaux d’Oleron is the name of the channels between the 
Pertuis d’Antioche and the Pertuis de Maumusson, passing between 
the large mud banks which extend off the land on both sides and in 
which are a number of rocky flats. By following the deepest of the 
channels and taking advantage of high water the Coureaux are 
navigable by vessels drawing 16 to 19 feet of water. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, in 
the Pertuis de Maumusson at 3h. 35m.; springs rise 13^ feet, neaps 
10 feet, above the level of low water ordinary springs, which is 
about 3 feet above the level of soundings on the chart. At low 
water a strong stream continues to set out of the Pertuis de Mau¬ 
musson; but half an hour afterwards the tide outside has risen suffi¬ 
ciently to overcome the outgoing stream, and for about 14 hours the 
stream enters the Maumusson and sets toward Le Chapus. Then the 
stream decreases and turns toward the mouth of the Seudre. It is 
slack water in the Pertuis at the time of high water. 

The ebb stream commences seaward of the Pertuis de Maumusson 
before the water has ceased to rise in the Pertuis d’Antioche, which 
occasions in the narrow channels around Gatseau Point strong streams 
setting southward. 

At springs the streams attain at Gatseau Point a velocity of 3 
knots during the flood and 4 knots during the ebb. 

The tidal stream enters the Coureaux d’Oleron both by the Per¬ 
tuis d’Antioche and the Pertuis de Maumusson. Although the flood 
begins at Maumusson 30 minutes before it is felt at Chassiron Point, 
the stream from the north spreads more rapidly than that from the 



ILE D’OLERON. 


333 


south, and they meet at 1 hour after low water between Juliar Tower 
and the northern beacon of the Grande Mortanne. After 4 hour, 
during which there is slack water, a general stream setting south is 
established, which lasts till after high water. 

During the ebb the water from the Pertuis d’Antioche escapes 
freely, while that from Seudre Bay is delayed by the shoals and 
often by the sea, which breaks across the entrance to the Pertuis de 
Maumusson; and when the level is higher southward than northward 
of Chapus Passage a strong stream sets northward. 

In the vicinity of Le Chapus the tidal stream sets northward from 
half ebb to nearly half flood, when there is a slack. It then sets 
southward till half ebb, or during the hours generally used for navi¬ 
gation. At springs it attains its greatest velocity of 3 knots at the 
times of high and low water. 

Channels—Trousses Road to Le Chateau—Depths—Bea¬ 
cons—Buoys. —From the road there are two channels, the western, 
between Juliar Tower and Lamouroux Bank, with a least depth of 
14 feet at lowest water, and the eastern, between the Flamands and 
Brouage Banks, with a depth of 14 feet at lowest water. As it is 
impossible to navigate these channels without a pilot or local knowl¬ 
edge, they are not further described. 

Light—Juliar Tower.— On the northeastern extremity of Rocher 
de Juliar an occulting light with a white and a green sector is 
exhibited 49 feet above high water from a red masonry tower, 69 
feet high. The white light is visible 12 miles and the green 7 miles. 
The light is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

Grande Mortanne to the Pertuis de Maumusson. —From the 
southern beacon of the Grande Mortanne to the Pertuis de Maumus¬ 
son the channel is very narrow, sinuous, and practicable only with a 
fair wind or with steam. The least water in the channel is 2J feet 
between Nole Isle and Meules Bank, and 14 feet at lowest water 


southward of Martin Bank. 

Bourgeois Bank is a large flat of mud and sand extending 2 miles 
from the coast of Marennes. Its western side, which borders the 
channel southward of Meules Bank, is steep and dries in places 8 feet 
at low water. Its southern side, which forms the north bank of the 
channel of La Soumaille, leading into the Seudre River, and dries 
from 3 to 12 feet at low water, is marked by two black conical buoys 
• and the black beacon of Jiac. 

Bry Bank, formed of quicksands which dry 6 feet at low water, is 
marked both on its northeast and southwest extremities on the side of 
the channel by a red conical buoy with a conical top mark. About 
200 yards southward of Bry Bank is a red spindle buoy with a conical 
top mark to mark the western extremity of Bry and Barat Sandst> 


334 POINTE DU GHOUIN DU COU-POINTE d'aRVERT. 

Seudre River, which flows generally from southeast to north¬ 
west, has a length of about 12 miles from Riberou to the sea. Its 
width varies from 50 to 200 yards for 5 miles from Riberou and 
from 200 yards to 550 yards for the remaining 7 miles. The river 
from Riberou flows through muddy ground, and its banks are, in 
the 6 miles from its mouth, covered with oyster beds. There is no 
rocky shoal in the river as far as l’Eguille, situated 9 miles from 
the sea. 

4 

Entrance—Depths. —The Seudre River is ehtered by 2 channels. 
The northern, named Chenal de la Soumaille, used by vessels from 
the Coureaux d’Oleron, lies between Banc Barat and Banc Bourgeois, 
and has a bar, awash at lowest water, at the Avestern extremity of the 
latter bank. The southern channel is entered from the Pertuis de 
Maumusson and lies southward of Auger and Barat Banks. Its 
western part is the Chenal de la Garrigue and the eastern the Chenal 
da la Yache. The least depth passed over in entering by the southern 
channel is stated to be 3 feet, on the bar at the eastern end of Banc 
Barat, in the Chenal de la Yache, 800 yards eastAvard of Pointe 
Aux Herbes. 

About \ mile above l’Eguille there is a bar across the river 7-J feet 
above zero of Aix Isle. It dries except Avhen there is a flood, and at 
high water has 8-| feet on it at neaps and 13 feet at springs. 

Beacons. —Marennes Beacon', situated on the shore westward of 
Marennes, consists of a white stone Avail, 33 feet high and 13 feet 
broad, with a triangular top. 

Faulx Beacons are 3 in number, black, and are situated on the 
shore about 1,600 yards southward of Marennes Beacon. The north¬ 
ern consists of two masts joined at the top by horizontal boards and 
a St. Andrew’s cross. The center beacon is a mast with a green top 
mark; the southern is a mast Avith a diamond top mark. 

Cayenne Beacon, about 0.8 mile south-southAvestAvard of the tall 
chimney near Marennes, is a mast with a black diamond top mark, 
49 feet above high water and 46 feet above the ground. 

Auger Bank—Buoy.— Auger Bank, formed of quicksands un¬ 
covering 6 feet at Ioav Avater, is marked at its Avestern extremity by a 
conical buoy, painted in black and AAdiite horizontal bands with a 
diamond top mark. This buoy, named Galon d’Or, marks the bifur¬ 
cation betAyeen Bry Channel, which passes nortliAvard of Auger Bank, 
and that of Garrigue, which passes southAvard of it. 

Barat Bank—Beacon—Buoys.— Barat Bank, a sand bank which 
uncovers 10 feet, extends betAveen the channels of La Soumaille and 
La Garrigue. It has on its middle part a black beacon. Its south¬ 
western extremity is marked by a black conical buoy with a cylindrical 
top mark, and its eastern extremity by a buoy painted red and white 
in horizontal bands. 


SEUDRE KIVER. 


335 


Ronce Bank, formed of sand and mud, borders the southern side of 
the Garrigue Channel. It is steep, and uncovers 11 feet at low water. 
Its northeastern part, the Banc Perquis, dries 5 feet. 

Light. —On Pointe Mus de Loup, which is at the end of the left 
bank of La Seudre, a fixed white light, 22 feet above hi^i water, and 
visible 8 miles, is exhibited from the gable of a white house, 15 feet 
high. (See Light List.) 

Marennes Canal. —The entrance to this canal is on the northern 
or right bank of the Seudre River about 1,600 yards southeastward of 
the light on Pointe Mus de Loup, whence it trends in a northeast 
direction for 1.5 miles, with a width of 82 feet at water level, to the 
lock near Marennes. There are three “ garages ” where one vessel 
may pass another. The depth in the canal at high water is nearly 14 
feet at ordinary springs and 10 feet at neaps. The part of the canal 
above the lock forms a wet dock. (See Appendix II.) 

A canal connects the Marennes Canal with the Charente below 
Tonnay-Charente. It has a normal depth of 8 feet and the least 
height under the fixed bridges is 20 feet. Traction is by means of 
oxen. 

Gridiron.— At about 150 yards eastward of the canal entrance is 
a creek, at the head of which is a gridiron. (See Appendix II.) 

Buoy. —A black and white conical buoy with diamond top mark 
is moored off the entrance to the Marennes Canal. 

La Tremblade Channel, on the southern bank of the Seudre, is 
700 yards above the Marennes Canal. The length of the channel is 1 
mile in a southwesterly direction, with a width of 82 feet at high- 
water level. At high water springs the depth is 18 feet at the en¬ 
trance and 10 feet at the upper end of the channel, and at neaps the 
corresponding depths are 14 and 6 feet. * 

The port of La Tremblade is a continuation of the above channel 
and is formed by the curved channel of the Atelier, which is 380 
yards long with a depth of about 10 feet at high-water springs and 
5J feet at neaps. 

Shipping operations are carried on at La Greve, near the mouth 
of the channel on the western side, where there is a railway. 

Pilots. —Neither the Coureaux d’Oleron, the Pertuis de Mau- 
musson nor the Seudre River should be attempted without a pilot, as 
the channels are narrow and the sands sometimes shift. The pilots 
of La Seudre Station are divided between Chapus and La Trem¬ 
blade. They have large boats which keep the sea well. Besides 
their general rights they have the exclusive right of piloting vessels 
bound by the Pertuis of Maumusson to the Gironde, but they hoist 
the signal for a pilot of the Gironde when outside Pointe d’Arvert 
and only take the vessel to Le Verdon if no pilot of the latter station 
presents himself. 


336 


POINTE DU GROUIN DU COU-POINTE d’aRVERT. 


Anchorage. —The river furnishes in its lower course, between 
Pointe Mus de Loup and La Greve, an excellent anchorage in depth? 
of 3| to 4| fathoms, mud, sheltered from all winds. 

There is also anchorage in the Chenal de la Garrigue, in 1| 
fathoms, good holding ground of muddy sand, with Marennes and 
Baret Beacons in line and the fortifications of Le Chateau open 
eastward of Pointe de Menson. 

Directions. —Having crossed the bar of the Pertuis de Maumusson 
and being abreast Gatseau Point, steer to pass westward of the black 
and white striped buoy at the western end of Banc Auger, whence 
steer eastward with Galon d’Or Beacon and St. Martin Towner in line, 
until Marennes w T hite wall beacon is in line with Barat Beacon; keep 
the latter mark on, and when Cayenne Beacon and the southern 
Faulx Beacon are in line steer for them until the guardhouse, midway 
between Gatseau Point and St. Trojean, is open northeastward of 
Barat Beacon, which mark astern leads over the bar at the eastern 
end of the Chenal de la Yache and southward of the red and wdiite 
striped buoy at the eastern end of Barat Bank, having passed which, 
Le Pointeau Beacon bearing astern and open 2° westward of Jiac 
Beacon, leads up the river to the entrance of the Marennes Canal. 

Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at the entrance of the 
Seudre Biver at 3h. 35m.; springs rise 134 feet, neaps 10 feet above 
low T -water ordinary springs, which is about 3 feet above the level of 
soundings. 



CHAPTER VI. 


POINTE D’ARYERT TO POINTE DE LA NEGARE—THE GIRONDE AND 

GARONNE RIVERS. 

Approach to the Gironde—General directions. —From the 
northwestward it is usual to make the He cl’Yeu or the light pontoon 
of Roche Bonne, 1 and thence a direct course to the Passe Nord. 
From the westward approach on the parallel of Cordouan, or 45° 35' 
N. On this line the edge of the bank of soundings is 90 miles from 
the mouth of the river, and the bottom is fine gray sand mixed with 
broken shells, the depths being 80 to 90 fathoms at 90 miles from 
Cordouan, TO fathoms at 80 miles, 65 fathoms at 60 miles, 50 fathoms 
at 45 miles, and 20 fathoms at 13 miles. 

Between the parallels of Cordouan and Maumusson and extending 
northwestward from about 15 miles off the mouth of the Gironde is 
a bed of soft mud, which has a blackish color in its southern part and 
greenish in its northern part. Farther southward the bottom is of 
gray sand, which becomes purer as the distance from the soft mud is 
increased. So that between depths of 35 fathoms and 22 fathoms, or 
from about 30 miles to about 15 miles off the river, the bottom is pure 
mud between the parallels of 45° 35' N. and 45° 50' N.; but it is 
sand, more or less muddy or mixed with gravel, southward of latitude 
45° 35' N. 

In clear weather Cordouan Tower may be seen from a distance of 
20 miles. In thick weather the mouth of the river should not be 
approached to less than 17 fathoms, which depth is found at 9 miles 
from Coubre Point, 8.5 miles southwestward from Cordouan and 
6.5 miles from Negade Point. 

With southwesterly to southeasterly winds a sailing vessel should 
steer southward of Cordouan to enter the Gironde by the Passe Sud 
with the flood stream. 

If approaching Cordouan on a direct line from about 15 miles 
northward of Cape Ortegal, depths of 80 fathoms on the edge of the 
bank of soundings are found at 80 miles from Cordouan Lighthouse, 
50 fathoms at 37 miles, and 11 fathoms at 7 miles. On this route 
the bottom is sandy mud till in depths of 38 fathoms, then gray sand 
and gravel. 

i Caution must be used in approaching Roche Bonne Plateau ; a lighthouse is building. 
See page 289. 


337 








338 POINTE D'ARVERT TO POINTE DE LA NEGADE. 

By night the approach is more easy than b}^ day, for the lights are 
very powerful and are able to be seen farther than the landmarks by 
day, especially when the weather is foggy, and their character differs 
so much one from another that each should be recognized immedi¬ 
ately. 

Vessels from the northwestward make Roche Bonne lights and, if 
they follow the coast, the lights of Baleines, Chassiron, Coubre, and 
Cordouan. From the westward or southwestward steer directly for 
Cordouan Light. 

Entrance of the Gironde. —The estuary of the Gironde is com¬ 
prised between Pointe de la Coubre and the Cote de Saintonge on 
the north and by the Pointe de Grave and the Cote de Medoc on 
the south. 

Northern side of entrance.—Pointe de la Coubre, 6.5 miles 
southward of the Pertuis de Maumusson, is about 25 feet above high 
water. The intervening coast is low. In the vicinity of the point 
are the lighthouse and semaphore, together with a refuge beacon. 

Pointe de la Coubre.— Rocks, which uncover, lie over a mile 
southward of the lighthouse, and 1J miles eastward. 

Semaphore. —Near the lighthouse on Pointe de la Coubre is a 
semaphore, elevated 128 feet above high water. The house is yel¬ 
low, the lower part of the tower white, and the upper part black. 

Life saving. —A line-throwing apparatus is stationed at Pointe 
de la Coubre. At the lighthouse and semaphore is a relief station 
for shipwrecked people. 

Pointe de la Palmyre, on the northern bank of the river, lies 
about 3.5 miles east-southeastward of Pointe de la Coubre. Between 
them is Bonne Anse, the greater part of which is shoal. 

Pointe de Terre Negre, situated about 2.2 miles east-southeastward 
of Pointe de la Palmyre, is faced with cliffs from 65 to 80 feet in 
height and is steep-to. On it is a battery in ruins. From Pointe de 
Terre Negre the coast trends southeast by east for 4.2 miles to Ro}^an 
and is cliffy and indented by several small bays. It is bordered by a 
narroAV fringe of rocks and is fairly steep-to. About 1,600 yards east- 
southeastward of Terre Negre Point is the lighthouse of that name. 

Pointe de Valliere, southeastward of Royan, has a white wall 
beacon on it, with a triangular top, 72 feet above high water. 

Southern side of entrance. —Pointe de la Negade lies 6.5 miles 
southward of Cordouan Lighthouse, and about the same distance 
from Pointe de Grave Lighthouse. It is fronted by shoals, forming 
the southern extremity of the banks obstructing the mouth of the 
Gironde. 

Semaphore. —St. Nicolas semaphore is situated about 2 miles 220° 
from Pointe de Grave Light and 0.9 mile 199° from St. Nicolas 


GIRONDE RIVER. 339 

Lighthouse on a large dune. The black mast is on a white tower 
above a yellow house and is elevated 216 feet above high w T ater. 

Pointe de Grave, the northern extremity of the Cote du Medoc. 
forms the southern entrance point of the Gironde. At this point 
there is a mole 176 yards long in a north-northeasterly direction, on 
the eastern side of which vessels can lie in depths of from 13 to 16 
feet at lowest water; but the tidal stream must be guarded against, 
as it produces there dangerous swirls. Southward of the mole is a 
landing pontoon used by the steamers running between Roy an and 
Le Verdon. 

Passes.— The Gironde is entered by three principal passes, de¬ 
scribed below: 

The difference of direction of these passes permits their naviga¬ 
tion by sailing vessels with winds from different quarters. With 
strong southwesterly to southeasterly winds Passe du Matelier and 
Passe Sud are more advantageous than Passe Nord, in which it 
would be necessary to beat, with the risk of being struck by heavy 
seas; but with strong winds and the big swell from the westward 
Passe Sud breaks more than the others. 

It is especially during the outgoing stream that the passes may 
become dangerous, even to the extent of being impracticable, since 
in heavy gales from seaward the sea breaks across the whole en¬ 
trance to the river. In bad weather no vessel should attempt to 
enter the Gironde until the flood stream is well established. Under 
these conditions a large steam vessel can almost always enter by 
Passe Nord. Two hours before high water is generally the most 
favorable time to take the channel, although the sea may still break 
there. 

Under the same conditions a small vessel, notwithstanding all 
possible precautions, might come broadside to the sea and suffer 
much damage, or even be totally lost. 

Generally, if not regarding the depths in the channels nor the 
direction of the wind, it is considered that Passe Sud is the best for 
entering the river and Passe Nord for going out of it, on account of 
the neater duration of the flood stream in the first and of the ebb in 
the second. 

Depths.—The least depth that must be passed over by a vessel 
when proceeding from sea to Bordeaux, situated 51 miles from Point 
de Grave, at the entrance to the Gironde River, is on the shoals at 
Bee d’Ambes, about 13 miles below Bordeaux Stone Bridge, where 
the depths are If fathoms at lowest water, 3f fathoms at high-water 
neaps, and 4f fathoms at high-water ordinary springs. 

The least Avater in the ascent of the river to Pauillac is 2f fathoms 
at lowest water, about 4| fathoms at high-water neaps, and 


340 POINTE d’akvert to pointe de la negade. 

fathoms at high-water ordinary springs, and is found off By, also 
abreast La Mareehale and Mousset. 

Landmarks.— Besides the lighthouses and semaphores that are 
described elsewhere, the principal landmarks for vessels bound to the 
Gironde are the high slender spire of Marennes Church, before 
mentioned, which is seen from a great distance above the low sand 
dunes of Pointe d’Arvert; the white square beacon tower of Gar- 
dour; the black beacon of Roitre des Bassets, 98 feet above high 
water, a large wooden pyramid, 55 feet high, on a dune at 2f miles 
northward of Pointe de la Coubre, above the steepest part of the 
coast between Maiunusson and La Coubre; the Dunes de la Bris- 
quette, small detached dark hills northeastward of La Coubre Point, 
on the northwestern of which is a square white tower, 13 feet in 
height, and on the southeastern, the more wooded of the two, a black 
wooden pyramid, 52 feet high, with square base and triangular top 
mark, point downward. The northwestern summit is 149 feet and 
the southeastern 156 feet high. 

The old lighthouse of La Palmyre, situated on the downs, 1.4 
miles 64° from Pointe de la Palmyre, is a round metal tower on three 
supports, 121 feet high. The upper part is painted black and the 
lower part with the supports white. The old lighthouse of La 
Falaise is situated about 600 yards westward of Terra Negre Light¬ 
house. 

On the southern side of the entrance of the Gironde, St. Nicolas 
Beacon is a square wooden tower on a masonry base, with a quadran¬ 
gular pyramidal top mark. It is painted white for half its height 
from its base on the seaward face, and over the remainder, as well as 
on the three other faces, it is black. Its summit is 107 feet above high 
water and situated close to the sea, southwestward of the semaphore. 
On Pointe de la Negade, which ends a high beach of white sand, are 
some houses, a chalet flanked with small turrets, and a large beacon, 
89 feet high, surmounted by a black ball. 

Dangers in entrance.—Cordouan Plateau, situated in the 
middle of the mouth of the Gironde and 7 miles southward of la 
Coubre Pointe, is a rocky shoal of about a mile in extent, which 
uncovers at low water. Depths of less than 1 fathom extend east¬ 
ward 1,600 yards and northward ^ mile from the drying portion. It 
is the highest part of a large bank which extends northward and 
southward and which bears the names of Grand Banc, Battures de 
Cordouan, Montrevel, Chevrier, etc. Cordouan Lighthouse and the 
various banks are described below. 

Lights.— The entrance of the Gironde is marked by the following- 
lights: 

Pointe de la Coubre.— From a white cylindrical tower, 174 feet 
in height, with buildings attached, situated 1,700 yards 53° from 


GIRONDE RIVER. 


341 


the extremity of Pointe de la Coubre, is exhibited, 210 feet above 
high water, a flashing white electric light. The light is visible 21 
miles, but, owing to its great power, the glare is seen from a much 
greater distance. From the same tower is exhibited, 136 feet above 
high water, a fixed white and red auxiliary light. The white light 
is visible 17 miles and the red 15 miles. (See Light List.) 

Fog signal.—A fog siren in a small shelter 1,200 yards 255° from 
Pointe de la Coubre Lighthouse is sounded in thick or foggy weather. 

Light vessel—Grand Banc. 1 —Southeastward of the Mattes du 
Grand Blanc, and about 2f miles southeastward of Pointe de la Coubre 
Lighthouse, in 7 fathoms, is a steel light vessel painted in red and 
black horizontal bands, with one military mast, and with the words 
“ Grand Banc " in white letters on the sides. The light vessel ex¬ 
hibits, 39 feet above the sea, an occulting white light 11 miles. The 
vessel does not carry a crew. (See Light List.) 

Fog signal.—A bell is sounded automatically. 

Cordouan.—On Cordouan Rock, situated in the middle of the 
mouth of the Gironde, from a white circular tower, 207 feet in height, 
with a conical base, a fixed white, red, and green light is exhibited, 
at an elevation of 196 feet above high water. The white light is 
visible 21 miles, the red 17 miles, and the green 16 miles. (See Light 
List.) 

Life saving.—A line-throwing gun is kept at Cordouan Light¬ 
house. 

St. Nicolas.—On St. Nicolas Downs on the southern side of the 
entrance of the Gironde, from a square white tower, 28 feet in height, 
a fixed green light, visible 14 miles, is exhibited 71 feet above high 
water. (See Light List.) 

Pointe de Grave.—Near Pointe de Grave, from a square white 
tower, 82 feet in height, an occulting white light visible 15 miles, is 
exhibited, 85 feet above high water. This light is situated about 
1,700 yards 63° from St. Nicholas Light, and appears fixed, with in¬ 
creased intensity, over an arc of 3° in the direction of Tallais Light 
Vessel. (See Light List.) 

Life saving.—A line-throwing gun is kept at Pointe de Grave 
Lighthouse. 

Terre Negre.—About 6.2 miles southeastward from Pointe dte la 
Coubre Lighthouse from a round tower, 77 feet in height, of which 
the upper half is painted black and the lower half white, an occulting 
white, red, and green light is exhibited 121 feet above high water. 
The white light is visible 17 miles, the red 16 miles, and the green 14 
miles in clear weather. (See Light List.) 

1 If a French light vessel is driven from her station she extinguishes her characteristic 
lights, and shows by day and night the usual signals for a vessel not under control. 


» 




342 pointe d’arvert to pointe de la negade. 

St. Georges. —On Pointe de Valliere a fixed white light, visible 
17 miles in clear weather, is exhibited, 118 feet above high water, 
from a white square tower, 95 feet high. A fixed white light visible 

4 miles is also exhibited from a black post on the end of the pier. 
(See Light List.) 

Suzac.— On the wooded downs of Suzac, 2,733 yards 116° from 
Point de Valliers Light, a fixed red light, visible 17 miles is exhibited, 
133 feet above high water, from the white gable of a small house. 
(See Light List.) 

Le Chay.— About \ mile westward of Roy an, from Le Chay 
Tower, cylindrical, constructed of masonry, and 47 feet in height, 
with black lantern, a fixed red light, visible 15 miles, is exhibited 
98 feet above high water. An old lighthouse tower, square, white 
with black pediment, stands 300 yards westward of the lighthouse. 
(See Light List.) 

St. Pierre. —About 2,187 yards 42° from the preceding, from a 
square tower, 115 feet in height, painted in white and red horizontal 
bands, a fixed red light, visible 19 miles, is exhibited, at an elevation 
of 177 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Light buoys—Passe Nord—Southwestern side. —Northeast¬ 
ward of the northern extremity of the Mattes du Grand Banc is a 
conical red buoy, No. 4, showing 23 feet above the sea a fixed green 
light, which should be seen from a distance of about 7 miles. The 
buoy is placed in about 6 fathoms at the southern limit of the fixed 
white sector of the auxiliary light from Coubre Point and 400 yards 
eastward of the western limit of the northern white sector from 
Cordouan. 

A red conical light-buoy, No. 6, showing a fixed green light, is 
moored at about 2J miles westward of Pointe de ia Coubre Lighthouse. 

No. 8 buoy is a red conical light buoy, surmounted by a staff and 
triangle, showing a fixed green light, and is moored about 1J miles 
westward of Pointe de la Palmyre. 

A red conical buoy, No. 10, surmounted by a staff and triangle, is 
moored on the northeastern side of Montrevel Bank, about 1J miles 
southward of Pointe de la Palmyre. 

Platin de Grave is marked on its northern side by a cylindrical red 
buoy, No. 12, in 6J fathoms, showing, 11 feet above the sea, a fixed 
green light, which should be seen from a distance of 6 miles. 

Northeastern side. —At the western extremity of Demi Banc, in 

5 fathoms, near the eastern limit of the white sector of Cordouan 
Light, is a conical black buoy, No. 1, showing, 23 feet above the sea, 
a fixed red light, which should be seen from a distance of about 8.5 
miles. 

On the southwestern side of Demi Banc, in about 4J fathoms, at 
tihe intersection of the south limit of the sector of fixed white light 


GIRONDE RIVER. 


343 


of Coubre, and of the eastern limit of the northern white sector of 
Cordouan, is a black conical buoy. No. 3, showing, 23 feet above the 
sea, a fixed white light, visible 10 miles. 

At the southwestern side of Banc de la Coubre is a black conical 
buoy, No. 5, which exhibits a fixed red light 13 feet above the sea, 
visible 3.5 miles. 

On the southern edge of Barre a 1’Anglais, in 6 fathoms, about 
1,200 yards 187° from Pointe de la Palmyre, is a black conical 
buoy, No. 9, with cylindrical top mark, which shows a fixed red light 
13 feet above the sea, visible 3.5 miles. 

At the southeastern end of Banc de St. Georges is a black cylin¬ 
drical buoy, No. 13, in about 3J fathoms, showing, at 14 feet above 
the sea, a flashing red light every 12 seconds thus: Flash 2 seconds, 
eclipse 2 seconds, flash 2 seconds, eclipse 6 seconds, which should be 
seen 3 miles. 

Pilots. —The pilots of the stations of Royan and Pauillac take 
vessels from sea to all places in the Gironde as far as Bordeaux. 
They have large yawls which keep the sea very well and which have 
on their mainsail the letters BX and a number. At night these 
boats carry a white masthead light and exhibit at intervals not ex¬ 
ceeding 15 minutes a flare at each end of the vessel simultaneously. 

Every vessel liable to pilotage is bound to receive the pilot at 
whatever distance at sea he presents himself. 

The pilotage station of Royan extends from the outer buoys to a 
line between Pointe de Suzac and the southeastern end of Le Verdon 
road. 

Eight pilots of Royan are charged with the outward pilotage from 
Le Verdon and 16 cruise at sea. The Royan pilot takes vessels as 
far up the river as Padernac, between Trompeloup and Pauillac, 
where he is relieved by the Pauillac pilot. If no Pauillac pilot pre¬ 
sents himself in answer to the signal for him made by the Royan 
pilot, the latter pilots the vessel to Bordeaux. 

The Royan pilot takes vessels to sea from Royan and Le Verdon, 
but the Pauillac pilot takes out vessels coming from Bordeaux if he 
is not relieved by the Royan pilot, a signal having been made for the 
latter. 

Gironde pilots taking vessels bound through the Pertuis de Mau- 
musson make the signal for the pilot of the Coureaux off Pointe 
d’Avert, and if the latter does not present himself the Gironde pilot 
takes the vessel to her destination. 

Pauillac Station extends from sea to Bordeaux or to Bourg, on 
the Dordogne. There are constantly 15 Pauillac pilots at sea to take 
vessels into the river, 15 in the river to receive vessels taken to 
Padernac by Royan pilots, and 15 in the river or at Pauillac to re¬ 
ceive vessels descending the river from Bordeaux pilots. 

21235°—17-23 



344 POINTE d'arvert to pointe de la negade. 

These pilots take to Bordeaux vessels from sea or Padernac, and 
also to Roy an, or to sea if they are not relieved there by the pilots 
of that station, vessels brought to Pauillac by the Bordeaux pilots. 

Passe Word—Depth. —Passe Nord, or Saintonge Channel, be¬ 
tween Demi Banc to the northeastward and the Mattes du Grand 
Banc to the southwestward, is about 1,640 yards wide, with a depth 
of 4J fathoms at lowest water. For some years Passe Nord has been 
becoming narrower, and in approaching Pointe de la Coubre, owing 
to the continuous shifting eastward of the northern part of the Mattes 
du Grand Banc and the Base de la Mauvaise, is less favorable for its 
navigation by sailing vessels. Depths of 28 feet have been found on 
the leading line of Cordouan Lighthouse and Grand Banc Light 
Vessel, 26 feet very close to westward of this line, and of 21 feet in 
the western sector of white light shown from Cordouan Lighthouse. 
On the western edge of Demi Banc depths of 26 feet exist. 

Distinguishing buoy.— A red conical whistle buoy, No. 2, with 
triangular top mark, is mobred about 6.2 miles 284° from La Coubre 
Lighthouse. 

Dangers—Southwestern side.—Mattes du Grand Banc, about 
3.5 miles westward of Pointe de la Coubre, is a sand bank 'extending 
about l.T miles north and south, with from 2 to 3 fathoms water 
over it. Its western edge is very steep and the swell breaks heavily 
on it. 

Buoys. —The shoal is marked on the northeastern side by a light 
buoy, painted red. 

Clearing marks. —Coubre Lighthouse in line with the old light¬ 
house of Palmyre bearing 103°, leads northward of the Mattes, and 
at night keep in the northern white sector of Coubre Light. 

Banc de Montrevel, which, in bad weather, breaks over its 
whole extent, is a large sand bank covering a space of nearly 3 miles 
northeast and southwest, with a least depth of 1J fathoms on its 
northwestern side. Its northern side, which is very steep and has 
2 fathoms water, advances to 1.5 miles from Pointe de la Palmyre. 

The Banc de Montrevel was reported in 1912 to have extended 
about 900 yards in a northerly direction, a depth of 24 fathoms be¬ 
ing found in latitude 49° 39' 7" N., longitude 1° 12' 20" W. 

Buoys.— It is marked on its northern side by 2 red buoys with 
conical top marks, the western buoy being a light buoy. 

Clearing mark. —At night the western white sector of occulting 
light from Terre Negre, in sight, leads northward of the Montrevel. 

Banc de Terre Negre, a sand bank in the channel about 1,600 yards 
southward of Pointe de Terre Negre, has a depth of 44 fathoms over 
it at lowest water. 

Wrecks. —The wrecks of the Saint Helene and of the Quebec are 
marked by green buoys exhibiting fixed white lights. 


> 


GIRONDE RIVER. 


345 


Platin de Grave, a slioal of sand and rock, extends 1.5 miles 
northward of Grave Lighthouse. On the southern part of the bank 
are some heads, stated to be awash at low water, and northward of 
these are depths of 2 and 3 feet. A passage with 2 fathoms water 
in it, subject to change, lies between the bank and Pointe de Grave. 

Buoy. —The northern extremity of the Platin de Grave is marked 
by a light buoy, painted red, moored northward of a 14-fathom shoal 
reported (1912) northward of the bank. 

Northeastern side. —Demi Banc, a sand bank with from 3J to 
4f fathoms over it, extends about 3 miles westward of Pointe de la 
Coubre. 

Buoys. —Demi Banc is marked on its western and southwestern 
edges by two light buoys painted black. 

Clearing mark. —At night a vessel passes westward of the shoal 
part of the Demi Banc by keeping in the northern sector of white 
light of Cordouan. 

Banc de la Coubre, extending about 0.8 mile westward of the 
point of that name, within the 3-fathom limit, has 3 feet water on 
its southwestern side, but the part of the bank extending soutli- 
southwestward J mile from the point dries at low water. 

Buoy. —A light buoy,' painted black, marks its southwestern side. 

Clearing mark. —Suzac Light, open southward of St. Georges 
Light, bearing 113°, leads southward of the bank. 

Barre a V Anglais, a sand bank which extends west-northwest- 
vard of Pointe de la Palmyre, occupies a large part of the bay of 
Bonne Anse. The western part of the bank has depths of from 1J to 
2f fathoms, but the eastern part is very shallow, there being a depth 
of about 2 feet J mile southwest of Pointe de la Palmyre, a short dis¬ 
tance within the light buoy. 

Buoys. —The outer edge of Barre a l’Anglais is marked by 2 
black buoys, the western buoy having a cylindrical topmark and the 
eastern being a light buoy. 

Clearing mark. —The western white sector of occulting light 
from Terre Negre in sight leads southward of Barre a V Anglais, but 
the northern limit of the sector, bearing 108°, should not be closely 
approached. Pointe de Suzac and St. Georges Lights in line also 
lead southward of the bank. Shoal water extends off the coast from 
Pointe de la Palmyre to the cliffs of Terre Negre. 

Banc de St. Georges extends northwestward of Suzac Point as 
far as the meridian of Chay Lighthouse. With much swell from sea¬ 
ward this bank of sand and gravel breaks heavily, especially during 
the ebb. The least depth on the bank is 1J fathoms. 

Buoys.— Banc de St. Georges is marked at its northwestern ex- 
tremitv bv a black buov with a cylindrical topmark and at its south- 
ern extremity by a black light buoy. 


346 P01NTE D ARVEET TO POINTE DE LA NECADE. 

Directions—By day.—From the northward, when well outside 
Passe Nord, proceed in with Cordouan Lighthouse in line with Grand 
Banc Light Vessel bearing 142°, which mark leads between Demi 
Banc northwest light buoy and Mattes du Grand Banc Light buoy, 
and leaves Demi Banc southwest light buoy and that marking Banc 
de la Coubre nearly 4 mile to the northeastward. 

From the westward approach with Palmyre Old Lighthouse well 
open northward of Coubre Lighthouse, bearing 104°. This mark 
leads 4 mile northward of Passe Nord distinguishing buoy and be¬ 
tween Demi Banc Northwest Light Buoy and Mattes du Grand Banc 
Light buoy, then steer in with Cordouan Lighthouse in line with 
Grand Banc Light Vessel as above directed. 

When about 400 yards from the light vessel steer with Terre Negre 
Lighthouse and Falaise Old Lighthouse in line bearing 100° between 
Barre a l’Anglais and Montrevel Banc; then steer with Suzac and 
St. Georges Lighthouses in line, bearing 116°, passing northward of 
Terre Negre Banc; and on Richard Lighthouse and Tallais Light 
Vessel coming in line, 150°, keep that mark on till at Le Verdon an¬ 
chorage. 

By night 1 from the northward approach in the white sector of 
Cordouan Light, with the light bearing 142° and in line with the 
light on Grand Banc Light Vessel, passing eastward of the buoy with 
green light of the Mattes du Grand Banc and westward of the buoys 
with red and white lights marking, respectively, the Demi Banc and 
the Banc de la Coubre. When about 400 yards from Grand Banc 
Light Vessel steer for Terre Negre Light, bearing 100°, keeping in 
the white sector of that light and passing between the light buoy of 
the Barre a l’Ariglais with red light and the light buoy of Montrevel 
with green light. Then steer with Suzac and St. Georges Lights in 
line and as directed by day. 

From the westward approach in the fixed white sector of Coubre 
Auxiliary Light, with the light bearing 105°, and when Cordouan and 
Grand Banc Lights come into line proceed as directed above. 

Passe du Matelier—Depth.—Passe du Matelier, bordered on the 
northwest by the Mattes du Grand Banc and on the southeast by 
the extremity of the Battures de Cordouan, crosses the Grand Banc in 
a depth of 4 fathoms at lowest water for a width of 1.5 miles. This 
pass joins Passe Nord near the Grand Banc Light Vessel. 

Buoys.—The Mattes du Grand Banc are marked on the south- 
southwestern side by a black conical buoy, Bl, with cylindrical top 
mark, moored in 7-J fathoms; on the southern side by a black spindle 
buoy, B3, with cylindrical top mark, in 44 fathoms, 1.7 miles north- 

1 On account of changes in the depths of Passe Nord, the light buoys marking the 
channel, and Brand Banc Light Vessel, are liable to be altered in position. 

By night, vessels are advised to keep in the eastern portion of the sector of white light 
shown from Cordouan Lighthouse. 




GIRONDE RIVER. 347 

eastward of tlie conical buoy, and at the northern end by a light 
buoy. 

Wreck.—A wreck with mast projecting 8 feet lies about 1 mile 
southward of Matelier Black Buoy No. 1. 

Eastern side.—Battures de Cordouan, sand banks with from 2 
to 3J fathoms over them at lowest water, are situated northwestward 
of the Cordouan. Between these shoals and the Cordouan is an ex¬ 
tensive bank, with general depths of from H to 2-i fathoms, but with 
a patch of 5 feet near its Avestern end. Northeastward of the Bat¬ 
tures de Cordouan is Montrevel Bank. 

Buoy.—The Battures de Cordouan are marked on their western 
side by a red conical buoy, B2, with a conical top mark. 

Directions.—By day approach and enter this pass with Pointe 
de la Coubre Lighthouse bearing 46° and keep between the following 
bearing and alignment: Coubre Lighthouse bearing 52° on the north¬ 
western side and the southeastern black beacon of La Brisquette in 
line with Coubre Semaphore bearing 41° on the southeastern side. The 
black buoys of the Mattes du Grand Banc are left on the port hand 
and Battures de Cordouan Red Buoy on the starboard hand entering. 

By night keep in the fixed white sector of Coubre Auxiliary 
Light. On the axis of the sector the light bears 46°. 

In both cases Passe Nord is joined near Grand Banc Light Vessel, 
which may be passed on either side. By day the route may be short¬ 
ened by steering for the old lighthouse of La Palmyre, when St. 
Nicolas Semaphore is in line with Cordouan Lighthouse. 

Passe Sud—Depth.—Passe Sud, or Grave, the entrance of which 
is comprised between the Banc du Chevrier on the north and the 
Banc des Olives on the south, has a depth of 2J fathoms at lowest 
water, and its channel passes very near several summits on which 
there are only l-£ to 2J fathoms at that time of tide. 

Distinguishing buoy.—A red bell buoy with reflector, marked 
A2, is moored about 7.8 miles west-southwestward of St. Nicolas 
semaphore, a little to the northward of the semaphore and beacon in 
line, and indicates the approach to the Passe Sud. 

Dangers—Northern side.—Banc du Chevier, a sand bank 
with a least depth of 3 feet over it at lowest water forms the southern 
extremity of the shoals extending 3J miles southward from Cordouan 
Lighthouse. 

Buoys.—The Banc du Chevier is marked by two black spindle 
buoys with cylindrical top marks, one (Al) moored at the south¬ 
western extremity of the bank, and the other (A3) at the southeastern 

extremity. 

Banc du Gros Terrier, formed of rocks over which the depths are 
from 1J to 3 fathoms at lowest water, lies southeastward of Cordouan 
and northeastward of Banc de Chevrier. 


348 


POINTE D*ARVERT TO POINTE DE LA NEGADE. 


Two shoals, each with a least depth of 1J fathoms over it, about 
440 yards apart, lie on the alignment of St. Pierre and Old Chay 
Light Towers, with Cordouan Light bearing 348° between them. 
Lane du Chevrier buoy, A3, is moored about J mile southward of the 
westernmost shoal and 3.1 miles 173° from Cordouan Light. 

Buoy. —The eastern side of the shoalest part of the bank is 
marked by a black spindle buoy, A5, with a cylindrical top matk. 

Southern side.—Banc des Olives is formed of rocks which 
extend 2.8 miles from the coast and on which the swell from seaward 
breaks heavily. There are many places with only 3 to 6 feet water 
over them. 

Buoys. —Banc des Olives is marked on its northwestern side by a 
red spindle buoy, A4, with a conical top mark, and on its northern 
side by a red conical buoy, A6, also with conical top mark. 

Banc de St. Nicolas, formed of rocks on which there is a depth 
of only 6 feet at lowest water, extends 0.6 mile from the shore be- 
tween St. Nicolas Semaphore and Lighthouse. 

Buoy. —Banc de St. Nicolas is marked on its western side by a red 
spindle buoy, A8, with a conical top mark. 

Directions. —The distinguishing buoy off the entrance of Passe 
Sud may be passed on either side. Enter this pass between the fol¬ 
lowing alignments: The semaphore and beacon of St. Nicolas in 
line bearing 71°, and Grave and St. Nicolas Lighthouse in line 63°, 
leaving the red buoys to starboard and the black buoys to port. At 
the intersection of these marks, just southeastward of the south¬ 
eastern buoy of the Chevrier, continue with Grave and St. Nicolas 
Lighthouses in line until St. Pierre and Le Chay Lighthouses are in 
line, bearing 42°. Keep this mark on until Pointe de Grave Light¬ 
house bears 114°, about 1 mile from Platin de Grave Light Buoy, 
when edge to the northward and around the buoy on its northern 
side. Then steer eastward and bring Richard Lighthouse in line 
with Tallais Light Vessel, bearing 150°, to proceed to the anchorage 
at Le Verdon or to ascend the river. 

By night steer in with Point de Grave and St. Nicolas Lights in 
line, then as above directed until Grave Light bears 114°, when open 
St. Pierre Light northwestward of Le Chay Light, and pass north¬ 
ward of Platin de Grave Buoy with fixed white light, then steering- 
eastward to bring Richard Light and Tallais Light Vessel in line. 
Should Platin de Grave Light Buoy not be in position, do not haul to 
the eastward around the northern end of the bank until Cordouan 
white light bears 261°. 

Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at Pointe de la Coubre 
at 3h. 34m.; ordinary springs rise 16J feet, neaps 13 feet, above 
the level of soundings, which is about 3 feet below low water ordi¬ 
nary springs; neaps range 6£ feet. At Courdouan Lighthouse at 


GIRONDE RIVER. 


349 


4h. springs rise 16J feet, neaps 13f feet, above the level of soundings. 
At Pointe de Grave at 4h. 13m. springs rise 17 feet, neaps 13§ feet, 
above the level of soundings; neaps range 7^ feet. At Pointe de la 
Negade at 3h. 18m. the rise at highest tides is 19 feet, at lowest tides 
13 feet 1 inch above lowest water. 

At Richard it is high water, full and change, at 4h. 36m.; the rise 
at highest tides is 19 feet 8 inches, at lowest tides 13 feet 5 inches, 
above lowest water. At La Marechale at 4h. 59m. the rise at highest 
tides is 20 feet 4 inches, at lowest tides 13 feet 5 inches, above lowest 
water. At Pauillac at 5h. 20m. springs rise 18J feet, neaps 11J feet, 
above low water ordinary springs; the rise at highest tides is 19 
feet 8 inches, at lowest tides 13 feet 1 inch, above lowest water. At 
Blaye at 5h. 47m. the rise at highest tides is 19 feet 8 inches, at 
lowest tides 13 feet 5 inches, above lowest water. At Bordeaux at 
6h. 50m. springs rise 15J feet, neaps 12 feet, above low water ordinary 
springs; the rise at highest tides is 18 feet 8 inches, at lowest tides 
12 feet 2 inches, above lowest water. 

The wind has much influence on the rise of tide, a westerly wind 
causing an increase and an easterly wind a decrease. Floods in the 
Garonne and Dordogne do not sensibly influence the height of the 
water in the Gironde from Pauillac to the sea. 

Above Pauillac floods increase only a little the height of high 
water, but cause an augmentation in the height of low water, which 
sometimes amounts to about 7 feet at Bordeaux. 

Tidal streams.— Off the entrance to the Gironde the stream sets 
into the river, and offshore northward of the entrance it sets on-shore 
from 3 hours before high water to high water at Brest. The stream 
sets out of the entrance from 2 hours to 5 hours after high water at 
Brest. 

Passe Nord.— At the outer buoy the stream turns in the direction 
of the hands of a watch. There is no slack, and the velocity of the 
stream is never less than 1 knot. At 5h. 50m. before high water at 
Pointe de Grave the stream sets northwestward. The flood stream 
turns gradually from north, through east, to south, attaining its 
greatest velocity of 1.7 knots to the northeast at 4h. 15m. before high 
water at Grave. 

At 10 minutes after high water at Grave, the stream sets south¬ 
ward. The ebb stream turns from south, through west, to north¬ 
west, attaining its greatest velocity of 1.7 knots to the westward at 3h. 
15m. after high water at Grave. The flood and ebb streams are of 
almost the same duration. 

At the north buoy of the Mattes du Grand Banc, at 4h. 30m. 
before high water at Grave, the stream sets northward with a velocity 
of 1.4 knots. The flood stream sets on Demi Banc, then on the Coubre 
during the first four hours’ flood, and only follows the channel during 


350 pointe d'arvert to pointe de la negade. 

the two hours before high water. It attains its greatest velocity of 2.1 
knots, setting on Pointe de La Coubre 2 hours before high water at 
. Grave. 

At 1 hour after high water at Grave the stream sets southward with 
a velocity of 0.7 knot. The ebb stream turns from southward, 
through west to northward, and attains its greatest velocity of 2.4 
knots to the northwestward 5h. 15m. after high water at Grave. The 
duration of the ebb stream is about lh. 20m. more than that of the 
flood. 

At the Grand Banc light vessel at 4h. 50m. before high water at 
Grave the north-going stream ceases. The first of the flood arrives 
by the Passe du Matelier, and meeting the last of the ebb of Passe 
Nord, turns To the northwestward. In the following hour it sets 
eastward and continues in that direction during the remainder of 
the flood. It attains its greatest velocity of 1.6 knots setting east- 
southeastward at 3 hours before high water at Grave. 

At lh. 20m. after high water at Grave it sets south-south westward 
with a velocity of 0.6 knot. The ebb stream follows the Passe du 
Matelier for the first 2 hours, then it gradually turns and sets west¬ 
ward during the last 2 hours. It attains its maximum velocity of 
2.7 knots at 4 hours after high water at Grave, setting westward. 
The duration of the flood stream is about 20 minutes more than that 
of the ebb. 

At the western buoy of Barre a l’Anglais the direction of the 
stream varies between eastward and westward, through north, and 
never through south. At 41i. 30m. before high water at Grave the 
stream sets about north-northeast with a velocity of \ a knot. The 
flood stream turns rapidly to the east and attains its greatest velocity 
of 2.2 knots, setting east-southeastward, at 3h. 30m. before high 
water at Grave. 

At 30 minutes after high water at Grave the stream sets north¬ 
eastward with a velocity of J a knot. The ebb stream turns to the 
left as far as west for the first three hours. It then turns again to 
the right, attaining its greatest velocity of 3.3 knots, setting north¬ 
westward, at 3h. 30m. after high water at Grave. The duration of the 
ebb stream is about 2 hours more than that of the flood. 

At No. 10 Buoy of Montrevel Bank the velocity and direction of 
the stream vary irregularly. The stream turns from eastward to 
westward by the south, and never by the north. 

The flood stream attains its greatest velocity of 3 knots, setting 
east-southeastward, at 50 minutes before high water at Grave. The 
ebb stream attains its greatest velocity of 3.7 knots, setting west- 
northwestward at 4 hours after high water at Grave. The duration 
of the ebb stream is about 1 hour more than that of the flood. 


GIRONDE RIVER. 


351 


At the western buoy of the Banc de St. Georges it is slack water at 
Ih. 50m. before high water at Grave. The flood stream sets at first 
into Roy an Bay; then it follows the channel, attaining its greatest 
velocity of 3.4 knots, setting south-southeastward, at 3 hours before 
high water at Grave, and its least velocity to the southwest at 50 
minutes after high water at that place. The ebb stream continues 
turning to the right, sets with strength on the coast of St. Palais, and 
attains its greatest velocity of 4.7 knots, setting north-northwestward, 
at 4 hours after high water at Grave. The duration of the ebb stream 
is about 40 minutes more than that of the flood. 

Passe du Matelier. —Westward of Cordouan and in the Passe do 
Matelier the flood stream begins at low water at Grave, and for 
an hour sets northeastward, bending to the northwest at Montrevel 
Bank and Grand Banc Light Vessel, where it meets the last of the 
ebb stream on the northern side of the river. When the flood from 
Passe Nord is well established, the stream in Passe du Matelier in¬ 
clines to the right, and, rounding tlie Battures de Cordouan, joins the 
in-going stream on the northern side of the river. 

The ebb stream, at the outer part of Passe du Matelier, begins at 
high water at Grave, but it is not established in the northern part 
of the Passe till lh. 30m. later, and then it sets southwestward in 
all the space between Cordouan and Mattes du Grand Banc. 

The velocity of these streams does not exceed 1| knots. 

Passe Sud. —At the outer buoy of this pass the streams turn in the 
direction of the hands of a watch. At low water at Pointe de 
Grave the stream sets northward with a velocity of half a knot. The 
flood attains its greatest velocity of 1.6 knots, setting east-northeast- 
ward, in the direction of the channel, at 5 hours before high water at 
Grave, and ends, setting southeastward, at high water at that place. 

The ebb stream continues turning, and attains its greatest velocity 
of 14 knots, setting west-southwestward, at 3 hours after high water 
at Grave. The duration of the ebb stream is about 30 minutes more 
than that of the flood. 

At the inner buoy of the Chevrier, at low water at Grave, the 
stream sets westward at a velocity of 0.6 knot; the flood stream during 
the first hour sets on Cordouan; during the remainder it sets to the 
right of the direction of the channel toward the coast of Medoc. It 
attains its greatest velocity of 2.1 knots, setting eastward, at 3 hours 
before high water at Grave. At high water at Grave the stream 
slackens and sets southeastward at 0.3 knot. The ebb stream takes 
netarly the direction of the channel, attaining its greatest velocity of 
2.8 knots, setting west-southwestward at four hours after high water 
at Grave. The duration of the ebb stream is about 30 minutes more 
than that of the flood. 


352 


POINTE d VrVERT TO POINTE DE LA NEGADE. 


At the north buoy of the Platin de Grave, at 40 minutes after low 
water at Grave, the stream is setting northward at a velocity of 0.8 
knot. The flood sets toward the shore between Royan and Valliere 
Point until the last hour, when it bends and becomes parallel to the 
streams on the northern side of the river. At this time the ebb has 
begun in Passe Sud, and the flood enters entirely by Passe Nord. 
The flood stream attains its greatest velocity of 2.7 knots setting east¬ 
ward at about half tide. At 40 minutes after high water at Grave 
it slackens and sets southward about half a knot. 

The ebb stream first sets toward Passe Sud, then it turns to the 
right. At half tide it attains its greatest velocity of 2.8 knots, setting 
west-northwest, and during the remainder of the ebb it mingles with 
the stream of the northern side of the river. The duration of the 
flood and ebb stream is equal. 

At Pointe de Grave the stream turns from eastward to westward, 
through north, and never through south. The stream slackens at 
about 15 minutes after high water, when it sets east-northeastward 
with a velocity of 1 knot, and at about 15 minutes after low water, 
when it has a velocity of 0.6 knot. The flood turns from east-north¬ 
eastward to east-southeastward, attaining its greatest velocity of 3 
knots, setting east-southfeastward at 2h. 40m. before high water at 
Grave. The ebb varies from about north-northwestward to north- 
northeastward and attains its greatest velocity of 2.7 knots, setting 
north-northwestward, at 2h. 40m. after high water at Grave. The 
duration of the ebb stream is about 20 minutes more than that of the 
flood. 

From the above it will be seen that in Passe Nord the duration of 
the ebb is much longer than that of the flood stream; that the larger 
part of the flood enters by the Passe Sud; and that the larger part 
of the ebb leaves by the Passe Nord. 

Weather.—It is estimated that at the entrance of the Gironde 
there are in a year, as an average, 31 days of fog, 112 of rain, 161 of 
clear weather, 12 of storm, 8 in which hail falls, and 2 snow. The 
fog is sometimes very thick, but usually it is not over 65 to 100 feet 
above the sea, and often the tops of the lighthouses may be seen when 
the land and sea are obscured. 

Royan, situated on the right bank at the mouth of the Gironde, 
has some importance on account of its local trade and as a fishing 
station. The imports are principally wood for building, cement, 
iron, and coal; and the exports wines and brandy. Royan is also 
a much-frequented whaling station. 

Communication.— Large passenger steamers run between this 
town and Bordeaux every day in summer and 3 times a week dur¬ 
ing the rest of the year. Another service of steamers crosses several 


GIRONDE RIVER. 353 

times during the day from Roy an to Le Verdon, connecting the 
railroads of La Seuclre and Medoc. 

The port of Royaii dries entirely at low water, and tugs and pilot 
boats anchor in the road so as to be ready to go out. The port is 
subject, in strong south to west winds, to a high swell and surf, 
although it is sheltered by a mole 1G0 yards long and by the landing 
pier. It is remarked that at the mouth of the Gironde the swell 
often comes from the westward while the wind is blowing from the 
southward. 

A landing pier projects southward from the southwestern part of 
the mole, forming an outer port. Small steamers can go alongside 
at any time, but there is much surf in southwesterly gales. 

There are steps made in the rock at the foot of Royan signal mast, 
where boats land at low water. The swell is often very heavy and 
must be guarded against. 

There is a gridiron at the head of the port (see Appendix II). 

Lights.—On the end of Royan Mole, from a white circular turret 
3G feet high, a fixed red-and-white light, visible 8 miles in clear 
weather, is exhibited, at 44 feet above high water. The light is un¬ 
watched. 

A fixed white light, visible 8 miles, is exhibited from a white cylin¬ 
drical turret 35 feet above high water on the end of the landing pier 
southwestward of the mole. (See Light List.) 

Signal mast.—At the inner end of the mole is a signal mast with 
which vessels ascending or descending the river can communicate. 

Life saving.—Two lifeboats and a line-throwing apparatus are 
kept on board tugs anchored in Royan Road and always ready to 
sail if required. A third lifeboat is kept in the outer port. At 
St. Palais, 2-| miles to the westward, a line-throwing gun is kept. 

Anchorage.—The anchorage off Royan is exposed to the swell and 
to all winds from northwest, through west, to west-southeast, when 
vessels should go to Le Verdon Road. In fine weather and for a 
very temporary stay vessels anchor in depths of 9 to 10 fathoms at 
lowest water, mud bottom, with Suzac Lighthouse a little nearer the 
white wall beacon of Valliere than St. Georges Lighthouse, and the 
Royan municipal casino between the Mole Lighthouse and signal 
mast, bearing 42°. 

Buoy.—A white buoy, moored in the northern part of the road, 
about 600 yards southeastward of the landing pier, marks moorings 
reserved for the beacon tender. Vessels should not anchor within 
a radius of 160 yards of this buoy, to avoid fouling the moorings. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at Royan at 3h. 58m.; 
springs rise 13J feet, neaps 10 feet above low-water ordinary 
springs; mean neap range, 6J feet. 


354 


POINTE d'aRVERT TO POINTE DE LA NEGADE. 


Port Bloc, near Pointe de Grave, on the eastern side, is a small 
harbor protected by 2 stone piers. It is, however, full of mud and 
can only be entered by boats. 

Les Marguerites.— The Marguerites are summits, covered with 
2J fathoms at lowest water, situated about 2 miles eastward of Le 
Verdon, and join the western part of Talmont Bank, which extends 
eastward nearly to Talmont Point, with depths of from If to 2f 
fathoms as charted. These summits frequently shift their positions. 

Light buoy.— A cylindrical light buoy, No. 15, painted black, and 
showing a fixed red light 11 feet above water, visible 3 miles, is 
moored in 3 fathoms, eastward of the leading line through the chan¬ 
nel, off the northwest head of the Marguerites, 2.8 miles 331° from 
Tallais light vessel. 

Le Verdon Road. —The anchorage of Le Verdon, between Mar¬ 
guerites and Tallais Banks, is the real road of Bordeaux. It is much 
frequented, especially by vessels waiting orders or favorable winds. 
The bottom is sand and mud, fairly good holding ground, and there 
are depths of to fathoms over a length of 1 mile and an 
average width of J mile, sheltered from winds between south-south¬ 
west and north-northwest, through west. But in strong westerly 
weather the swell rounding Grave Point produces with the ebb 
stream a very heavy sea in the road, causing vessels to overrun 
their anchors with severe jerks to the cables. 

Anchorages. —Large vessels anchor in a depth of 6 fathoms at 
lowest water, with Richard Lighthouse slightly open westward of 
Tallais Light Vessel, after having passed Marguerites Light Buoy 
anywhere for the distance of a mile. The center of the anchorage 
has for marks Richard Lighthouse, slightly open westward of 
Tallais Light Vessel, and St. Nicolas semaphore in line with Le 
Verdon Church. 

Vessels of moderate draft anchor in 20 to 26 feet water, mud 
and good holding ground, with St. Nicolas semaphore and Le 
Verdon Church in line, and Falaise Old Lighthouse open eastward 
of the end of Grave Mole. 

Le Verdon Road—Moorings. —Moorings for 2 battleships have 
been laid in Le Verdon Road. They are each marked by a black 
conical buoy, and vessels should not anchor within 160 yards of either 
buoy. 

Light buoy.— The edge of the shallow water extending off La 
Chambrette Point, eastward of Le Verdon, is marked by a red cylin¬ 
drical buoy, No. 16, showing a fixed green light, visible 2.5 miles. 

Directions. —Having entered the Gironde as previously directed 
proceed with Richard and Tallais Lights in line, but it is necessary 
to remember that this line leads over the tail of Marguerites Bank, 


GIRONDE RIVER. 355 

where the swell is often heavy. Anchor in Le Verdon Road as 
already directed, or proceed up the river. 

Supplies. —At Le Verdon provisions sufficient for a small vessel 
may be procured and water may be taken near the landing place, but 
there is no coal. 

Tallais Light Vessel,' painted red, with 1 mast, is anchored in a 
depth of about 26 feet at lowest water, as charted, nearly 600 yards 
northeastward of the edge of the Banc de Tallais, and shows a flash¬ 
ing white light 33 feet above the sea, visible 11 miles. 

Fog signal. —In thick weather a bell is sounded. 

Richard Light. —On the left or southern bank of the Gironde and 
abreast the north end of the Platin de Richard, is a round brown 
tower on three legs, 98 feet in height, from which is exhibited, at 
an elevation of 105 feet above high water, a fixed white and red 
light. The white light, of increased power toward Tallais Light 
Vessel, is visible 16 miles—in other directions 13 miles—and the red 
light 8 miles. Eastward of this lighthouse is a second tower of 
masonry. (See Light List.) 

River Gironde. —This river or estuary is formed by the union of 
the Rivers Garonne and Dordogne at Bee d’Ambes. It has a length 
of 39 miles and a width of from 1.5 to 5.5 miles. The banks in the 
Gironde are liable to shift, and alterations in the buoyage and light 
sectors are then made. A pilot is at all times necessary. 

Range lights—Trompeloup. —Front light: A fixed white light, 
visible 11 miles, is exhibited at an elevation of 33 feet above high 
water from a cylindrical masonry tower 62 feet in height situated in 
the river about a mile from Lazaret. 

lie de Patiras. —Rear light: An occulting white light, visible 14 
miles, is exhibited at an elevation of 70 feet above high water from 
a white square masonry tower 70 feet in height on the northern point 
of the islet about 1.5 miles 160° from Trompeloup Light. (See Light 
List.) 

Pauillac.— Front light: A fixed red light, visible 10 miles, is 
shown, at an elevation of 23 feet above high water, from a black 
and white metal column, 23 feet in height, on the landing place at 
Pauillac. (See Light List.) 

St. Lambert.— Rear light: About 1,100 yards 180° from Pauillac 
front light, a fixed red light, visible 13 miles, is shown 62 feet above 
high water from a white and black metal column 50 feet in height. 
(See Light List.) 

General directions.— In ascending the river from Pointe de Grave 
to Pauillac all red buoys are left on the starboard hand and all black 
buoys on the port hand whether they are light buoys or not. 

i For the characteristics of lights in the Gironde River inside Pointe de Grave the 
French light list should be consulted. 









356 pointe d'arvert to pointe de la negade. 

Entering with Tallais Light Vessel and Richard Lighthouse in line 
bearing 151° haul to the eastward when about 1.5 miles beyond Les 
Marguerites Light Buoy (fixed red light) and steer 134°, passing 
well to eastward of Tallais Light Vessel and bank, with the fixed 
white sector of Pointe de Grave Light bearing 314° astern. The edge 
of Banc de Tallais is marked by a light buoy painted red, showing 
a fixed green light. 

This course, 134°, passes westward of Banc de Goulee, which dries 
about 10 feet, marked by 3 black light buoys with fixed red lights, 
and eastward of Platin de Richard marked by 2 light buoys, with 
fixed green lights, until off By, when the white square lighthouse of 
Patiras Islet is in line with the white round lighthouse of Trompe- 
loup. This latter mark is kept on until abreast Chateau Pigeonnier, 
passing eastward of 3 light buoys with fixed green lights situated 
off By, Lamena, and Mapon, respectively, and westward of the Banc 
des Mets, with 1J fathoms on it, and of 2 light buoys with fixed red 
lights off St. Christoly and Chateau Loudenne. 

When abreast Chateau Pigeonnier steer toward St. Lambert Light¬ 
house, a white and black metal column, 50 feet in height, with black 
lantern, keeping it in line with the lighthouse (a white metal column) 
on Pauillac landing place, which leads to the anchorages of Trompe- 
loup and Pauillac, passing westward of Trompeloup Lighthouse and 
of a light buoy with fixed red light off Mousset. 

From sea to Pauillac the least water (2J fathoms at lowest water), 
over a bottom of mud, is found off By at about the intersection of 
the Grave-Tallais and Patiras-Trompeloup leading lines, also abreast 
La Marechale and Mousset. 

At night the channel is well marked by range lights, exhibited 
from the marks given for the day; Pointe de Grave Light shows 
fixed white on the leading line and for 1J° on each side of it, occulting 
white elsewhere. It is followed in ascending by leaving the light 
buoys with fixed green lights on the starboard hand, and those with 
red lights on the port hand. 

Hade de Trompeloup. —Over a length of nearly 1,400 yards, and 
just eastward of the channel off Trompeloup, there is good anchor¬ 
age in 23 to 29 feet at lowest water, mud bottom. It is safe in all 
weathers, and has the advantage of being accessible to vessels draw¬ 
ing 22 feet during almost all the tide. It is close to the shore and 
near the railway and telegraph. The water at Ioav tide is quite fresh, 
but generally too muddy to use in the boilers. The greatest incon¬ 
venience is that caused by the stream, which attains a velocity of 4 
knots. This road is especially frequented by the mail steam vessels 
of the large French and foreign companies which serve Bordeaux. 
Usually they stay only a few hours, discharging their passengers 
and merchandise for Bordeaux, and sail after receiving passengers 


\ 


GIRONDE RIVER. 


357 


and goods brought in lighters from the port of Bordeaux. Others, 
as tiie steamers of the Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes, dis¬ 
charge a part of their cargo in order, by reducing their draft, to 
ascend to the port of Bordeaux. In descending they complete their 
cargo here. 

Quarantine. —Vessels subject to quarantine anchor in Trompe- 
loup Road, opposite the lazaret. 

Wharves. —Near the lazaret of Trompeloup are wharves, along¬ 
side which large mail steamers are able to lie, and to take in and 
discharge cargo with rapidity. 

The principal wharf is parallel with the river bank, to which it is 
joined by a bridge. It is 410 yards in length, 26 yards in width, and 
railways are laid on it. Vessels lie alongside the wharf, both on its 
inner and outer side, in a depth of 24 to 32^ feet at lowest water. 

- On the wharves, which are lit by the electric light, are 18 hydraulic 
traveling cranes, lifting from 1J to 3 tons, and fresh water is fur¬ 
nished by pipes led from an artesian well. 

A station is established in the vicinity, connected by a special rail¬ 
road to the Medoc line. There are also sheds containing a consider¬ 
able amount of coal, and arrangements are made for coaling and pro¬ 
visioning ships, At the wharves at Trompeloup vessels can take in 
400 to 4£>0 tons of coal in a day and 300 to 350 tons in a night. 

Port de Pauillac. —Besides a trade which is of considerable 
amount, Pauillac owes its importance to the vicinity of the roads 
of Pauillac and Trompeloup. All vessels ascending the Gironde 
stop in one of these roads to receive the visit of the health and cus¬ 
toms officers, indicating their arrival by hoisting a yellow flag at the' 
fore; those descending stop to change the pilots. 

Pauillac is situated on the left bank of the river, 27 miles from 
Pointe de Grave, at the entrance, and 24 miles below Bordeaux. 

The anchorage off Pauillac is excellent in all weathers; it has 
depths of 16 to 18 feet, mud and sand, and very good holding 
ground; but the streams attain a velocity of 4 knots during the flood, 
and 5 knots during the ebb, which renders communication with the 
shore difficult. 

Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at Pauillac at 5h. 20m.; 
springs rise 18J feet, neaps 11^ feet above low-water ordinary 
springs, which is about 1^ feet above the level of soundings. The 
duration of the flood stream is about 5 hours: of the ebb 7 hours. 

Bore. —The bore, or Le Mascaret, is a phenomenon which some¬ 
times accompanies the front of the tidal wave in the Rivers Garonne 
and Dordogne. It is a swell or wave more or less high, followed by 
several smaller waves, and by a very obvious rise of the level of the 
river, which continues after the passing of the waves and goes on 
increasing by the ordinary action of the tide. The height of the 


358 pointe d’arvert to pointe de la negade. 

waves which form the bore and their rate of progression increase 
generally with the diminution of the depth. The bore is observed 
principally in the highest spring tides, when the flow from the river 
is sufficiently weak. If very severe it ascends much above Bordeaux. 
In 1881 the wave was felt 19 miles above that city. 

The bore is not always accompanied by waves, but sometimes oc¬ 
curs only in the form of a large swell, when it is not less dangerous 
and violent to vessels anchored in the river or secured alongside the 
cjuays. In large bores vessels ought to be properly secured in order 
not to be swept away by the stream. 

Pauillac to Bordeaux—Depths. —In this part of the river the 
channel is narrow, contracted between mud and sand banks, which 
are liable to shift, but it is marked with the greatest care by buoys 
so near to each other as not to leave any r doubt as to the route to 
follow. 

The port of Bordeaux is accessible at ordinary springs to vessels 
drawing 23 feet and at ordinary neaps to vessels drawing 21 feet. 

Steamers with a speed of 10 knots leave Pauillac at the time of 
high water at that place, and, accompanying the tide, pass over the 
shoals at high water. The least water is on the shoals at Bee 
d’Ambes, where the depth is If fathoms at lowest water springs, 3f 
fathoms at high-water neaps, and 4f fathoms at high-water ordinary 
springs. Sailing vessels are usually towed, and, as their speed is less 
than that of steamers, they leave Pauillac 1 hour before high water. 

In descending, steamers with a speed of 9 knots leave the port of 
Bordeaux If hours before high water, or at neaps they may leave 2f 
hours before high water, and pass the shoals at Bee d’Ambes at high 
water, and the shoal at Bevchevelle, on which the low-water depth is 
nearly 2-| fathoms, before the water has sensibly fallen. But in de¬ 
scending from Bordeaux to Pauillac, a vessel must wait a favorable 
tide or lighten to a draft of 18 feet. The large mail steamers, leaving 
at a fixed date, are frequently obliged to complete their loading at 
Pauillac. 

Vessels arriving at Bordeaux moor at the buoys or berth indicated 
by the port authority, passing either eastward of the vessels at the 
central moorings or between them and those lying at the quays on the 
left bank. 

By day, in ascending, all buoys painted red are left on the star¬ 
board hand and those painted black on the port hand. At night, in 
ascending, green lights are left on the starboard hand and red lights 
on the port hand, whether they belong to light buo}^s or to lights 
established on the river banks. 

Notices are placed, when necessary, at the port offices of Royan. 
Pauillac, and Bordeaux regarding changes in the shoals. 


GIRONDE RIVER. 


359 


Documents called Graphiques Routiers are issued by the Service 
Maritime de la Gironde, which, taking into consideration the state of 
the channels and tidal observations, enable pilots to regulate exactly 
the time of the vessel’s departure and her speed. 


Table showing times of U. W. F. G., rise of tide above soundings, and depths at 

lowest water between Cordouan and Bordeaux. 


Place. 

Dis¬ 

tance 

from 

Time 

of 

H. W. 
F. C. 

Rise of tide above 
soundings. 

Strength of 
tidal stream. 

Depth at anchor¬ 
age at lowest 

Depth between 
points. 


Cor¬ 

douan. 

Springs. 

Neaps. 

Flood. 

Ebb. 

water. 

Cordouan.. 

Miles. 

h. m. 

4 00 

Feet. 

16! 

17 

Feet. 

13| 

13| 

Knots. 

Knots. 



Le Verdon. 

8 

4 13 

1.3 

1.4 

3J to 7 fathoms.... 

2! fathoms (Passe 
Sud.). 

Pauillac.... 

32 

5 20 

19f 

13 

4 

5 

16 to 20 feet. 

2\ fathoms. 

Bordeaux.. 

56 

6 50 

17 

13£ 

4 

5 

1^ to 3! fathoms... 

If fathoms. 


The port of Bordeaux extends from the village of Cariette up the 
river to the Boulevard Jean Jacques Bose. This road, which has 
throughout a bottom of muddy sand, is divided into two parts, of 
which that between the stone bridge and Cariette only is accessible 
to seagoing vessels. It has two deep spaces separated by Bacalan 
Shoal. The upper space forms Bordeaux anchorage proper, and has 
depths of from 1J to 3p fathoms at lowest water; the lower space is 
the port of Lormont, which is frequented by sailing vessels about to 
leave or requiring repair, and has depths of from 2^ to 3 fathoms. 
Numerous mooring buoys are laid down in the port. Above the stone 
bridge the river navigation utilizes wharves on both banks of the 
river. From the stone bridge to the wet basin the left bank is bor¬ 
dered by 6 quays, which are vertical for nearly all of this distance, with 
depths alongside of from 15 to 19J feet at lowest water, the remainder 
being inclined and used by small craft. On the quays are numerous 
sheds for merchandise. 

The right bank is bordered by inclined quays and wooden wharves, 
inside which are depots of merchandise. The depth here is less than 
on the other bank, but it is frequented by small coasters and lighters 
not drawing more than 7 feet, which remain afloat. 

Queyries Wharf, 2,180 feet in length, on the right bank opposite 
the wet dock, is formed of wooden wharves and a vertical masonry 
quay 393 feet in length, wdth depths of from 10 to 16J feet alongside 
at low water. Vessels with coal generally discharge here. Another 
masonry quay, 312 feet in length, is being built as an extension. 

There are 4 to 5 miles of quays and docks. 

The left bank and the wet basin are served by a network of rail¬ 
roads belonging to the Compagnie du Midi, of which the maritime 
station is situated on the Quay de Paludate. On the right bank are 
21235°—17-24 


I 




























360 


POINTE d'aRVERT TO POINTE DE LA NEGADE. 


railroads belonging to the Compagnie d’Orleans, which has a mari¬ 
time station near Bastide Station, below the stone bridge. 

At night the quays are lighted by electric lights. 

Cranes.— On the quays on the left bank of the river are 51 travel¬ 
ing cranes, of which 16 are steam cranes of 1-| tons; the remaining 35 
are hydraulic, and include 15 of 1J tons, 19 of 3 tons, and 1 of 10 
tons. There are also an 80-ton hydraulic pair of sheers, with an 
auxiliary capable of lifting 15 tons, at the end of Bacalan Quay. 

On the quays on the right bank there are 23 steam traveling cranes, 
including 14 of 3 tons, 3 of 2J tons, and 6 of 1J tons, and 6 electric 5- 
ton cranes. There are also 2 private floating cranes of 30 and 20 
tons, respectively, the latter being used for anchor and buoy work. 

Basin. —At the northern extremity of the port is a basin, the axis 
of which, running southeast and northwest, is perpendicular to the 
quay of Bacalan, and within this basin is the former feeding reser¬ 
voir, now in process of conversion into a second basin. The basin, 
which communicates with the river by two contiguous locks, has the 
form of a T. 

The basin is surrounded by vertical quays, sloping at the foot, of 
which the top is 25 feet above low-water mark. Three buoys facili¬ 
tate the movement of ships in the basin. 

Railroads, joined to those of the quays, are established around the 
basin, and there are 6 steam traveling cranes, each lifting 1^ tons, 
and eight of 3 tons, for loading and discharging cargo. (For dimen¬ 
sions of basin see Appendix II.) 

Locks. —The locks are separated by a distance of 33 feet. (See 
Appendix II.) 

The working of the gates, sluices, and swing bridges over the ends 
of the locks is effected by hydraulic power. 

An outer port of a length of about 330 feet and stockaded on both 
sides shelters vessels from the stream when entering or leaving the 
basin. A depth of 9f feet is maintained, with a trench of 164 feet 
alongside the southern stockade where vessels are moored before 
entering. 

Vessels entering or leaving are taken charge of by the agents of 
a company which has the right of towing, moving, and mooring ships 
in the port of Bordeaux. Vessels enter and leave at night as well as 
by day. 

Docks. —On the north side of the wet basin are two dry docks. 
(See Appendix II.) 

Pilots.— Vessels from Pauillac to Bordeaux are piloted by Pauillac 
pilots, but Bordeaux pilots take vessels going to sea as far as 
Pauillac. 

Bordeaux is the capital of the department of the Gironde, the 
headquarters of an army corps, and the fourth port of France. The 


GIRONDE RIVER. 


361 


city is large, very fine, and it is built in the form of a crescent on 
t lie left bank and along a bend of the Garonne River, 51 miles from 
Pointe de Grave at the entrance of the Gironde River. The popula¬ 
tion was 261,678 in 1911. There are two hospitals into which sea¬ 
men are admitted at a charge of 40 cents a day. A quarantine 
establishment is maintained at Trompeloup, but no special custom¬ 
house or quarantine regulations are in force. A sailor’s reading 
room is supported entirely by the British colony of Bordeaux. 

Trade—Shipping. —The trade is extensive, particularly in fish, 
timber, wines, spirits, glass, cereals, chemicals, and coal. 

In 1913, 1,479 steam vessels, of 1,994,518 tons, and 110 sailing 
vessels of 28,009 tons, entered the port. 

The United States is represented by a consul, a vice and deputy 
consul, and a deputy consul. 

Radio station. —A radio station has been established at Bouscat, 
near Bordeaux, latitude 44° 52' 27" N., longitude 0° 37' 12" W. It 
is open to the public at all times; call letters F. F. X. 

Communication. —Steam vessels of the Messageries Maritimes 
run to Lisbon, Dakar, Brazil, and the Plate River fortnightly with 
mails and monthly with cargo; those of the Compagnie Generate 
Transatlantique to the West Indies 3 times a month; to Mexico 
once a month; to the Canaries and New Orleans once a month; to 
New York every 4 weeks; to North African ports, Malta, and Gib¬ 
raltar every week, and to Liverpool twice a month. Other cargo 
steamers are dispatched once a month to Brazil and Plate River, 
Singapore and Cochin China, Madagascar, and Mauritius, Trieste, 
and the Black Sea; 3 times a month to the west coast of Africa; 
6 times a month to North African ports; and there is also frequent 
steam communication with Spanish and northern European ports, 
besides a considerable coastal traffic. There is a regular weekly 
passenger service to Southampton and London, also frequent steam¬ 
ers run to Liverpool, Bristol Channel, and Glasgow; a steamer 
from Seville to Leith calls about every 18 days. 

The telegraph office at Bordeaux is always open, and there are 
telephone facilities. 

Repairs. —There are at Bordeaux 3 firms which can execute repairs 
of any kind to ships or machinery, and several building yards where 
large vessels can be built. 

A basin has been constructed alongside the Ateliers et Chantiers 
de la Gironde, where large vessels’are built. Its dimensions are: 
Length, 594 feet; main width, 122 feet; width at entrance, 108f feet; 
and depth, 36 feet. 

Patent slips.— There is a patent slip at Bordeaux and two at 
Lormont. (See Appendix II.) 


362 


P01NTE d'aRVERT TO POINTE DE LA NEGADE. 


Coal.—In 1909 about 24,000 tons of coal Avere kept in stock, and 
from 250 to 800 tons could be loaded in 24 hours. Coal is brought 
alongside by railroad or by lighters. 

Supplies.—Vessels find at Bordeaux all stores that are necessary 
for equipment, as well as provisions. Fresh water is taken to vessels 
by steam tanks at the cost of from 60 to 80 cents a ton. 

There are at Bacalan and at Queyries several special masting es¬ 
tablishments and important workshops for the manufacture of rope 
and sails. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at Bordeaux at 6h. 50m.; 
springs rise 15| feet, neaps rise 12 feet above low-water ordinary 
springs, which is about 1J feet above the level of lowest water; mean 
neap range 10J feet. 

Salvage vessel.—There is a harbor service A^essel at Bordeaux, 
with a speed of 8 knots, fitted as a buoy lifter, and with salvage and 
fire pumps. She can discharge 450 tons of water an hour from 5 
nozzles and can lift 20 tons. 

Upper course of the Garonne.—The Garonne, which rises in 
Spain, is considered navigable below Roquefort, about 250 miles from 
its mouth. From Roquefort to Toulouse the depth of w T ater varies 
from 2J to 10 feet, and from Toulouse to Agen it decreases at times 
to a few inches. There is scarcely any navigation in this part of 
the river. 

From Agen to Castets navigation increases, coming from the 
tributaries Baise, Lot, and Drot. Steamers run regularly with pas¬ 
sengers and cargo between Bordeaux, La Reole, and Agen. Between 
Castets and Bordeaux there is a least depth of 6J feet at half tide. 
In this part navigation is very active by steamers, barges, and light¬ 
ers, which reach 150 tons, Avith a draft up to 6| feet. The fixed 
bridges ha*ve a clear height above the highest water at 154 feet. 

Canals.—The Canal Lateral a la Garonne, 104 miles long, is fed 
by waters of the Garonne taken at Toulouse and Agen. It is fre¬ 
quented by numerous lighters and steam vessels up to 180 tons meas¬ 
urement and a draft of 6 feet. There are 53 locks, 1004 feet in length 
and 194 feet in breadth. The lowest fixed bridge over the canal has 
a clear height above the Avater of 104 feet. 

The Canal du Midi takes its origin beloAv Toulouse, where it com¬ 
municates Avith the Garonne and the Canal Lateral a la Garonne, 
and ends at the Etang de Thau. Its length is 130 miles, and it is 
frequented by vessels drawing up to 5J feet. There are 65 locks, 
from 95 to lOlf feet in length and a least Avidth of 18 feet. The 
lowest fixed bridge has a clear height of 11 feet above the Avater. 

The Etang de Thau is an extensive lake, Avith a -depth of 14 to 6 
fathoms Avater, and a broad and deep canal communicates betAveen 


GIRONDE RIVER. 


363 


the lake and Port Cette on the Mediterranean shore. Also from the 
Canal du Midi a branch canal, named Robine de Narbonne, 20 miles 
in length, passes Narbonne and ends in the Mediterranean at La 
Nouvelle. 

River Dordogne.— The length of the Dordogne is about 245 miles, 
of which 144 miles from Meyronne to Bee d’Ambes is considered 
navigable for small vessels. In the highest spring tides, especially 
after a long period of dryness, when the stream going out of the 
river is weak, the mascaret or bore accompanies the beginning of the 
flood as far as Libourne, 23 miles above Bee d’Ambes, reaching in 
some places a height of about 3 feet, which may occasion serious 
damage to vessels secured alongside quays. 



CHAPTER VII. 


FROM THE GIRONDE TO THE BID VSSOA RITER. 

Coast of the Landes.—Between the mouth of the Gironde and 
that of the Adour the coast presents a line of sand downs covered 
with fir trees, and more or less elevated, running nearly north-north¬ 
eastward and south-southwestward, and broken in only one place bv 
the opening into the Basin of Arcachon. Between Pointe de la Ne- 
gade and the Bassin d’Arcachon the coast is clear of off-lying dan¬ 
gers, the depth of 5 fathoms being found less than 1 mile outside low- 
water mark along nearly the whole of its extent. 

Eastward of Hourtin Downs the Etangs de Carcans et d’Hourtin 
extend northward and southward for 9 miles, being separated from 
the sea by a strip of sandy ground 2 miles in width. About 3.5 miles 
farther southward is the Etang de Lacanau. 

Winds.—The prevailing winds on the Landes coast are west-north¬ 
westerly and north-northeasterly; the first only, which cause a 
heavy sea and blow on shore, are dangerous for navigation. 

In summer sea breezes by day and land breezes at night are expe¬ 
rienced. In winter, if the weather is cold, southeasterly winds pre¬ 
vail southward of Arcachon Basin and east-northeasterly winds 
northward of that basin. 

The influence of the high mountains of the Pyrenees begins to be 
felt between Arcachon Basin and Contis. In fine weather light 
north-northwesterly and west-northwesterly winds near the Gironde 
cease on approaching the coast of Spain and are replaced by a calm 
or a light soutlLsoutheasterly wind. 

In winter, if the barometer is not very high, this south-southeast - 
erlv wind extends as far north as Arcachon Basin. 

Strong north-northwesterly and west-northwesterly winds in the 
northern part of the Bay of Biscay continue till near the coast of 
Spain, the sky becoming overcast with fog or rain in the south; 
they are generally succeeded on that coast by fresh southerly winds. 

During summer at the head of the Bay of Biscay there are often 
violent storms, which spread with great rapidity fi;om Machichaeo 
to St. Jean de Luz. They usually begin with a north-northeasterly 
wind, and about 2 hours after a large cloud has been seen in the 
south-southwest working to windward. It is necessary then to take 

365 



36G 


GIRONDE RIVER—BIDASSOA RIVER. 


all precautions, for not only will the wind very soon blow a gale from 
the west-southwestward, accompanied by a torrential downpour, but 
d will suddenly shift in a very heavy squall to the west-northwest¬ 
ward. If after an hour or two the wind does not slacken and the 
sea increases, the gale will last two or three days. Other gales in the 
bay are generally preceded by southerly winds with a smooth sea; 
then a swell sets in. The air is very clear; after a while the horizon 
has a milky tint and the wind freshens from the southward. Soon 
the wind veers to the south-southwestward, the sky becomes covered 
with clouds; the wind continues veering to the westward, increasing 
in force. During summer the wind veers from south-southeastward 
to west-southwestward, sometimes extremely quickly. As soon as 
Cape Machichaco is enveloped in mist the wind and rain reach suc¬ 
cessively places eastward of it, arriving at the French coast, a dis¬ 
tance of 30 miles, in half an hour. 

Current.—Off the coast southward of the Gironde a slight current 
sets constantly northward. 

Directions.—The following directions are important to sailing 
vessels, since in bad weather it is not without danger for them to be 
at the head of the bay, where the only ports of shelter are St. Jean de 
Luz and Pasajes. In summer, if the barometer is very high and the 
wind easterly, it is advisable to keep near the coast of the Landes, 
where the sea will be smooth. 

If the wind is from the westward, keep well off the French coast, 
and in making the coast of Spain do not get to leeward of Cape 
Machichaco. 

On leaving the Pertuis with light northerly winds it is advisable 
to keep well off the land, as these winds are not likely to extend far 
southward. In winter the general rule is to keep well off the land, 
unless there is a severe frost with north-northwesterly and north- 
northeasterly winds, when, especially in going northward, it is ad¬ 
visable to close the coast. 

Landmarks.—On this extent of over 120 miles the only noticeable 
points are the following, going from north to south: The large bea¬ 
con, with a black ball, on Pointe de la Negade, previously mentioned; 
Hourtin Lighthouses, 2 high, square red brick towers built on sand 
downs, elevated 100 feet above the sea and distant 220 yards from 
each other (the southern tower does not now exhibit a light, but is 
retained to serve as a landmark) ; 15 miles southward of these towers 
the beacon of La Grigne, in the shape of a pyramid surmounted by a 
diamond, 179 feet above high water, and all painted black; the light¬ 
house of Cape Ferret, a white tower, 156 feet in height, with a 
semaphore southward of it on a tongue of very low land which forms 
the northern side of the entrance to the Basin of Arcachon, and behind 
which is seen the spire of Notre Dame d'Arcachon; a few miles to the 


ARCACHON. 


307 


southward, the downs of Moullo, the summits of which are wooded, 
hut the coast is steep white sand, caused by landslips, and Truque de 
I elouze downs; further southward Biscarosse Beacon, a black 
pyramidal structure surmounted by a black circular top mark, 23 feet 
in diameter, in the center of which is a round hole, 8 feet in diameter 
and 1(5 < feet above high w T ater, which is the only part seen above the 
pine trees crowning the cliff; 8 miles southward of this beacon, 
Mimizan \ illage, consisting of some 20 small houses with red tiled 
roofs, a group of large pines on the summit of a wooded dow T n over¬ 
looks the village, and may be seen from a distance of 15 to 18 miles 
seaward; 7 miles southward of Mimizan and midway between Arca- 
chon Basin and the Adour, the lighthouse of Contis, a large gray 
tower near the sea on a sand dune 39 feet high and covered with trees; 
La Huchette Beacon, a pyramidal framework with a top mark formed 
of 2 triangles, placed one above the other, and of a total height of 75 
feet, the whole painted black, and elevated 141 feet above high water; 
about 6.5 miles southward of La Houchette Beacon, the village of 
Vieux Boucaut, formed of some houses with red roofs; the semaphore 
and the beacons of Cap Breton, the latter formed of supports with top 
marks, for the northern beacon, a large black square, and for the 
southern beacon a black triangle with its point downwards; and the 
church of Cap Breton with a large round tower. 

The old semaphore beacon of Cap Breton is a metal framew T ork 
with a circular topmark all painted black, 70 feet above high water, 
situated 230 yards 280° from the north beacon. It replaced the signal 
mast of the semaphore after the fall of the cliff. 

Light—Hourtin. —From a square red brick tower 77 feet high, 
on downs near the sea, a flashing white light visible 20 miles is ex¬ 
hibited, at an elevation of 177 feet above high w T ater. (See Light 
List.) 

About 220 yards 186° from the lighthouse is an old light tower 
similar to the present lighthouse. 

Bassin d’Arcachon.— The Bassin d’Arcachon falls into the Bav 
of Biscay through a narrow opening situated 58 miles from Pointe de 
Grave and 64 miles from the Adour. 

Owdng to oyster culture, to which the great portion of the inhabi¬ 
tants of the littoral devote themselves; to the sardine fishery, which 
is followed in the basin or at sea from numerous flat boats, called 
pinasses; to the sea fishery, which is followed by steamers; and to the 
exportation of mine props and the importation of coal, the impor¬ 
tance of this basin is constantly increasing. 

Cape Ferret is the southern extremity of the low, sandy tongue 
of land which borders the basin of Arcachon on the west and form? 
the northern entrance point of the basin. On it are a lighthouse and 
semaphore and at its extremity a beacon is charted. 


/ 


368 GIRONDE RIVER—B1DASSOA RIVER. 

Light.—From a round white tower, 156 feet high, with a base¬ 
ment on Cape Ferret, northern side of the entrance to the basin of 
Arcachon, a flashing light showing white and red alternately, visible 
20 miles, is exhibited, at an elevation of 1T6 feet above high water. 

Semaphore.—A semaphore is established nearly 1 mile south¬ 
ward of the lighthouse on Cape Ferret. It is 40 feet above high 
water, has a black mast and yellow house, and is named Arcachon 
semaphore. 

Life saving.—Line-throwing guns are kept at Cape Ferret Light¬ 
house and at Gressier, near La Cringe beacon. 

Shoals and buoys.—The banks at the entrance of Arcachon 
Basin are formed of extremely fine sand, and are subject not only to 
slow and regular displacement, but also to sudden changes, generally 
after gales. 

The distinguishing buoy lies about 7 miles south-southwestward of 
Cape Ferret Lighthouse. It is conical, with bell painted in red and 
black horizontal bands, and surmounted by a spherical top mark. 

The shoals farthest offshore are the Banc du Nord and the Banc 
du Sud, as charted, which break frequently. Banc de Matoc lies 
between Banc du Sud and the shore north-northeast of Pointe 
d’Arcachon. The new south channel leads across it. Within these 
and extending 2.2 miles southward from Cape Ferret, is Banc 
d’Arguin, partially dry at low water. In the center of the channel, 
between Cape Ferret and the land to the eastward, is an extensive 
bank, dry in places at low water, which shelters Moullo Hoad from 
the westward. 

Channel.—In 1906 a new channel opened on the southern side of 
the entrance when the buoyage of the Flamberge Passage was with¬ 
drawn. The depth in the new channel is 13 feet at low water. It 
is marked by two spindle buoys, one red and one black. The chan¬ 
nel within the south channel is marked by black buoys on the port 
and red buoys on the starboard hand, entering. 

Caution.—The buoys are shifted according to the change in the 
channels. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat and a line-throwing gun are stationed 
at Pointe d’Arcachon; also life-saving apparatus is placed on board 
the three steamboats of the Compagnie des Pecheries de l’Ocean, 
which can go to sea in almost any weather. 

Anchorages.—Moullo Road extends southward of Moullo Point 
for a distance of about 1.5 miles and has a mean width of 600 yards. 
The depth, generally, is 4 to 8 fathoms at lowest water, as charted, 
but is stated to reach 16 fathoms in places. The holding ground is 
fairly good, but with fresh winds between southwest and northwest 
vessels do not ride easily, notwithstanding the shelter given by the 
shoals, and the road is rarely used. 


ARCACHON. 


369 


I lie best anchorage is in the northern part of the road, but to 
proceed into the basin it is necessary to turn back to take the 
channel. 

On the east side of Cape Ferret is a space of about 3 miles in 
length with a mean width of 650 yards, which is well sheltered and 
offers very good anchorage in depths of 4 to 7 fathoms at lowest 
water. From this anchorage landing can be made at any time of tide 
on two piers near the lighthouse, from the northern of which a tram¬ 
way crosses the tongue of land to the sea on the western side. 

Eyrac Road, northward of the town of Arcachon, between Pointe 
de Bernet and Pointe de Teich at the entrance of the channels lead¬ 
ing to Gujan and Le Teich, is nearly 2 miles in length, east and west, 
with a mean width of 600 yards, and depths of 5 to 9 fathoms. The 
bottom is of muddy sand, good holding ground. Fresh north¬ 
westerly winds during the ebb cause a short, choppy sea, inconvenient 
for boats. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, at 
Arcachon Entrance at 4 h. 10 m.; springs rise 12J feet, neaps rise 
9f feet, above low water ordinary springs, which is about 1| feet 
above the level of soundings on the chart. At Arcachon the tides 
are much influenced by the wind. 

At the entrance the tidal streams attain velocities of 4 knots dur¬ 
ing the ebb and 2J knots during the flood. The streams turn about 
half an hour after high and low water. 

Both streams are very violent on the inner bar, or between Moullo 
and Cape Ferret. Off Arcachon town the velocity of the flood is 
not more than 2 knots; that of ebb is 34 knots. 

Pilots.—There is no pilot station at Arcachon, but the ex¬ 
perienced seamen of the place are lit to pilot vessels into and out of 
the basin. 

Directions.—Owing to the channels being subject to change, 
entrance should not be attempted without a pilot. 

By day, in fine weather, the route to follow is indicated by the 
buoys. If the sea is heavy these are often hidden by the waves and 
spray; however, they can generally be seen sufficiently far from 
aloft, and the channel can be tolerably well discerned in the middle 
of the breakers. 

The best time to enter is toward the end of the flood, because the 
ingoing stream smooths the sea on the bar; but as from inside the 
bar it is about 9 miles to Arcachon, entrance is usually made at half 
flood in order to have the advantage of the stream. 

A sailing vessel should not enter during the ebb, especially if the 
sea is heavy, as the channel then breaks right across. Before taking 
the bar all usual precautions should be made to enter broken water. 


370 


GIRONDE RIVER—BTDASSOA RTVER. 


The difficulty of entrance is much less for a steamer. Those em¬ 
ployed in the fishery pass in and out in nearly all weathers. 

The entrance is not practicable at night. 

Port d’Arcachon.—This port consists of Eyrac Road, and more 
particularly the part of it lying 200 yards eastward and westward 
of the landing pier. 

The pier is only used by boats and the small steam vessels which 
make in summer a regular service between Arcachon and Cape 
Ferret. 

Arcachon, connected to Bordeaux by rail, is frequented during 
summer by bathers, and at all seasons by invalids, who go there to 
enjoy a mild climate and to breathe the air rendered resinous by the 
neighboring forests. Population, 8,259. 

Supplies.—Arcachon has all resources required by the sailing or 
steam vessels which frequent it. Water is laid on to the end of the 
pier. 

Coal.—About 1,200 tons of coal are usually in stock at Arcachon; 
its price is from $7 to $8 a ton. 

There are several small ports in the basin frequented by coasters 
and fishing vessels. 

Bassin d’Arcachon to the port of Cap Breton.—On this coast 
several streams, which the inhabitants of the country call courants, 
issue to the sea. They are principally outfalls from the large etangs 
or lakes of the interior. Under the influence of causes which draw 
the sands to the southward their mouths were frequently obstructed 
after gales of wind and the cultivated land was submerged. To 
avoid this jetties have been constructed at the end of the streams, 
which have at the same time facilitated navigation at their mouths, 
and the men of the country, who are excellent sailors, have estab¬ 
lished there small fishing ports. The most important of these ports 
are Mimizan, Contis, La Huchette, and Vieux Boucaut. 

Current.—On this coast a slight current sets continuously to the 
northward. 

Tides.—On this coast the rise of the tide is 15| feet at highest 
springs, 13f feet at ordinary springs, and 10J feet at neaps above 
lowest water. 

Contis Light.—About 2 miles northward of the mouth of the 
Courant de Contis, on wooded downs near the sea, from a white 
circular tower 125 feet high, a fixed and flashing white light is ex¬ 
hibited, at an elevation of 164 feet above high water. The flashing 
light is visible 19 miles and the fixed light 16 miles. (See Light 
List.) 

Life saving.—Line-throwing guns are kept at the following 
customs stations along the coast: Sanguinet, Biscarosse, and Mimi- 


CAP BRETON. 


371 


zan; and there are stations for the relief of shipwrecked people at 
bte. Eulalie, Contis, Lit, Moliets, Yieux Boucaut, and Seignosse. 

Port de Cap Breton. —Instead of the Adour River entering the 
sea, as it does at present, about 3.5 miles from Bayonne, it formerly, 
from 1 mile below Bayonne, turned toward the north and discharged 
in front of the Fosse. Cap Breton was the northern extremity of 
the tongue of land having the sea on one side and the river on the 
other. The configuration of this land was totally modified when in 
1578 the architect, Louis de Foix, barring the Adour at Le Boucaut, 
made it deepen its own bed. The importance of the market town of 
Cap Breton quickly decreased, but as the movement of the sands on 
the coast threatened to obstruct the streams Boudigau and Bouret, 
which flow into the sea there, works have been executed, of which the 
principal consisted in putting the Etang d’Ossegore in connection 
with the sea, and making the etang a vast flushing basin for main¬ 
taining the depth in the entrance to the port. The fishing boats, 
both sailing and steam, which frequent Cap Breton, only enter with 
the flood when there is a depth in the pass of 11J feet at springs and 
91 feet at neaps. 

Light .—About 95 yards from the end of the piles on the southern 
side of the entrance to the port a fixed red light, visible 3 miles, is 
exhibited from a white iron support on a white hut 26 feet above 
high water. (See Light List.) 

Life saving. —Near the middle of the piles is the lifeboat house; 
the lifeboat can be put afloat at any time of the tide from a launch¬ 
ing slip. A line-throwing gun is kept at the customhouse. 

Tide. —It is high water, full and change, at Cap Breton at 3h 55m. 

Fosse de Cap Breton.—The depths of the sea, which are very 
regular along the coast of the Landes, present westward of the 
mouth of the stream of Cap Breton and almost at right angles to 
the coast a great submarine valley, which the men of the country 
call the Gouf. It extends from seaward nearly to the beach. About 
0 miles off the land it has a width of 1.5 miles and depths of about 
170 fathoms; toward the land it has depths much greater than those 
northward and southward of it, and it narrows to a width of about 
700 yards. In heavy westerly weather the sea follows the general 
direction of the fosse, and the water being deep the waves are long, 
of moderate height, and do not break, while on the borders of the 
fosse the sea is broken, confused, and dangerous. 

The bottom of the fosse is mud, and anchorage at its end is less 
dangerous than off any other part of the coast in this vicinity, and it 
affords also the best place for running a vessel ashore. 

For this anchorage, which is only a temporary one and is not to be 
taken except in case of absolute necessity, approach from as far off 
as the marks can be seen, or at least 5 miles from the shore, with the 


\ 


372 


GIRONDE RIVER—BIDASSOA RIVER. 


old semaphore beacon in line with a wooden beacon surmounted by 
a large black square placed on the northern side of the entrance of 
the port, bearing 100°. Anchor on this line in a depth of not less 
than 33 fathoms, when the tower of the church is in line with a 
wooden beacon surmounted by a black triangle point downward on 
the south side of the port, bearing 137°, veering as much cable as 
possible. 

It often happens during autumn that the landmarks are obscured 
in the morning by fog which rises from the Etang d’Ossegore,; this 
fog disperses in the middle of the day, and does not occur with west¬ 
erly winds. 

Adour River, the mouth of which is 8 miles south-southwest - 
ward of Cap Breton, rises in the mountains of Tourmalet in the 
department of Hautes Pyrenees, and after a course of about 170 
miles it falls into the bay 3.5 miles below Bayonne. 

Landmarks.— Besides the landmarks at Cap Breton already 
noticed there are the following: 

The foundry of Le Boucaut, on the north side of the river, about 
1 mile within the bar, and the chimneys rising to the height of 205 
feet serve to indicate the entrance of the river, as they are higher 
than the trees that fringe the coast, and the chimney of St. Gobain 
factory about 1 mile southeastward. On the left bank the signal 
tower and mast of approach; to the south-southwestward, Biarritz 
Lighthouse, a tower 144 feet high, built on the high cliffs; the Fort 
of Socoa and Cape Higuer. It sometimes happens in autumn and 
winter that the landmarks at the mouth of the Adour are obscured 
in the morning by fog over the river; the butt of the rifle range 1 
mile northeastward of the signal tower is then often visible. 

By night there are the lights of Contis and of Cap Breton, already 
mentioned, and those of Bayonne, Biarritz, and Socoa. In addition 
the red smoke that is constantly emitted by the chimneys at Le Bou¬ 
caut makes an excellent mark for the entrance of the Adour. 

Wreck. —A wreck is charted westward of the entrance in about 8 
fathoms water, in a position from which the signal tower bears 108°, 
distant 1,350 yards. 

Outer anchorage. —In fine weather in summer temporary an¬ 
chorage while waiting entry may be obtained in 9 to 10 fathoms, 
sand and mud, with La Rhune Summit open westward of Biarritz 
Lighthouse and Le Boucaut Watch Tower in line with the mast of 
approach, but on the least sign of bad weather vessels should get 
under way. 

Northwestward of the bar are the Roches de la Barre, their south¬ 
eastern extremity being 2 miles from the moles. The least dtptli on 
these rocks, which rise but little above the bottom in the vicinity, is 
19 fathoms, and the sea rarely breaks on them. 


ADOUR RIVER. 


373 


B ar —Depths.— The Adour Bar extends about 300 yards seac ard 
from the ends'of the breakwaters. During the ebb the stream from 
the river creates in the bar a channel, the position and dimensions of 
which change with the state of the sea and the volume of the outgoing 
stream. r l he depth of water on the bar has varied from 9J to 17^ 
feet at lowest water, but in June, 1905, there was only a depth of 


124 feet. 


The greatest draft of the vessels permitted to cross the bar at high 
water has varied between 17^ feet and 264 feet, but in 1908 vessels 
with a draft of from 22 to 23 feet could enter under favorable con¬ 


ditions at high water. 

Two dredgers work on the bar when the weather permits. 

Inside the river the least depth in 1906 was 11 2 feet at lowest water. 
This depth is found on the alignment of the Forges Range Lights, 
about 400 yards below the Casquets Light Tower. 

Breakwaters.— Important works have recently been executed to 
the breakwaters at the mouth of the Adour, and these, together with 
constant dredging, have considerably improved the state of the bar. 
The masonry breakwaters or jetties extending west-northwestward 
from the mouth of the Adour are prolonged by metal columns sunk 
in the sand and consolidated by enrockment. These columns rise to 
the level approximately of high-water neaps and are covered about 
5 feet at the highest tides. The jetties extend about 500 yards from 
abreast the signal tower. 

The columns are marked by wooden beacons painted black on the 
north and red on the south, but their existence must not be depended 
on, as they are sometimes washed away. 

Lights. —The entrance of the Adour is lighted as follows: From 
the white circular signal tower 45 feet in height, near the inner end 
of the south breakwater, is exhibited, 56 feet above high water, a 
fixed light which shows white when the entrance is practicable; red 
when the state of the sea prevents vessels entering and also when 
vessels are leaving. When the entrance to the river is practicable 
the white light is substituted for the red light about 1 hour before 
high water. The white light is visible 8 miles and the red 5 miles. 
(See Light List.) 

Range lights.— When the entrance is practicable, two fixed 
green range lights in line lead across the bar and between the break¬ 
waters. 

The front light is exhibited from a white cylindrical tower, with 
its upper part and conical roof red. It is situated on the left bank 
of the river about 500 yards within the signal towe$ and it is moved 
to meet changes in the channel. (See Light List.) 


374 


GIRONDE RIVER—BJDASSOA RIVER. 


The rear light is shown from the old signal tower, a square white 
house with a lantern 186 yards from the front green light. (See 
Light List.) 

Pilots.— The pilotage of the Adour is conducted by the pilots of 
Le Boucaut and by the tug in which a pilot is placed. The pilots are 
guided, both entering and going out, by the signals made by the 
chief pilot at the signal tower. Vessels entering are taken to the 
quays of Le Boucaut or of Bayonne; those leaving to outside the 
dangers. If in tow, with calm or contrary winds, the tug must take 
the vessels at least 1.5 miles from the land. 

The pilots are not permitted to move any vessel at night, except in 
cases of necessity or of special authority from the captain of the port 
of Bayonne. 

At St. Jean de Luz and at Bayonne there are seamen who, after 
examination, are licensed for the passage of the bar of the Adour. 
They have the right to give their services to the captain of a vessel 
which has made the pilot signal outside the bar, but they must yield 
their places to pilots of Le Boucaut on board vessels bound to 
Bayonne. These licensed men have in the sail of their boats an 
anchor painted black and the letters P. Ba. As soon as they take 
charge of a vessel they hoist a small red flag with which they are 
furnished. Bayonne pilots take vessels from Bayonne to Le Boucaut. 

Life saving.— Besides rocket apparatus placed in houses situ¬ 
ated on each side of the river entrance, the tug at Le Boucaut is fur¬ 
nished with line-throwing guns. 

Signals of approach are made at the pilot’s signal mast near 
the sea, 200 yards southward of the signal tower. When the chief 
pilot considers that the entrance will be practicable he indicates by 
tidal signals at the commencement of or during the flood tide the 
greatest draft of water of vessels that should enter at high water. 
The national flag may be hoisted at the masthead at the same time. 

At this signal vessels whose draft is equal to or less than that 
indicated should approach to about 1 mile off the bar and maintain 
this position until the signal of entry is hoisted. Entry is always 
prohibited after high water. 

The absence of the signal at the pilot’s signal mast or the signal 
tower indicates that entry should not be attempted. 

Signals of entry are made at the signal tower, and are divided 
into signals of draft and of direction. The first, made with disks, 
indicate the draft of water of a vessel admissible on the bar at the 
time when the signal is made. Vessels whose draft is between that 
signaled by the tower and the pilot’s signal mast must wait till the 
tide has risen sufficiently for them to enter. 


i 


ADO UK RIVER. 


375 


\ essels whose draft of water is equal to or less than that indicated 
at the tower approach the bar, preserving between them a sufficient 
distance, so that only one will be in the breakers at a time. 

The first vessel obeys the signals of direction made at the tower. 
These signals direct a vessel as far as Le Boucaut, but if several 
enter at the same time the signals cease for them on passing the 
tower. 

If, after having signaled vessels to approach, the chief pilot con¬ 
siders it necessary that sailing vessels should keep off, he hoists a 
black cross against that part of the tower which is to seaward, the 
signals of approach and entry being continued. 

If, under similar circumstances, he considers it necessary that 
steamers should keep off, he makes the usual signal. If all vessels 
should keep off he lowers all signals. Vessels then obtain an offing 
or seek refuge at St. Jean de Luz or Port Pasajes. 

A tug being always at Le Boucaut, vessels at sea requiring to be 
towed hoist their national flag at the masthead, keeping it flying till 
the arrival of the tug. 

If the chief pilot considers that the tug can go out, he hoists at the 
gaff of the pilots’ signal mast a white flag with blue crosses. If the 
tug can not get out, two white flags with blue crosses. Three white 
flags with blue crosses indicate to vessels at sea that it is proposed 
to send the tug to them, without which they will not be able to enter. 
If they accept, they hoist the national flag at the masthead; then the 
three flags are lowered and one only hoisted, to indicate to the vessels 
that the tug is going out and to the tug that she is required. A red 
flag hoisted at the signal tower indicates to a vessel that she is being 
run ashore. 

At night. —As already stated, the light shown from the signal 
tower is red when entry is impracticable. When there is little water 
or the bar, the white light, indicating that entry is practicable, is not 
substituted for the red light till after a pilot has gone off to ascertain 
the draft of water and has reported to the chief pilot. If the state 
of the bar permits the white light is shown as soon as the pilot has 
gone off, and the vessel may be brought in immediately if its draft 
of water does not exceed that fixed by the chief pilot. 

Signals of exit. —During the day the chief pilot hoists on one of 
the angles of the tower, on the land side, a flag, white and red 
checkered, to indicate that steamers and sailing vessels towed if 
necessary can go out, or a white flag with blue crosses to indicate 
that steamers only can go out. These signals are repeated on the 
watch tower of Le Boucaut, at the mast of the port office at that 
place, and at the mast in front of the port office at Bayonne. 

At night the light on the signal tower remains red while vessels are 
leaving the river. 

21235°—17 - 25 



376 


GIRONDE RIVER-B1DASSOA RIVER. 


Port de Bayonne comprises the outer port or port of Le Bou- 
caut, which extends from the signal tower to the northern extremity 
of St. Bernard Bank; the port proper between this limit and St. 
Esprit Bridge over the Adour and Mayou Bridge over the Nive, 
and 2 inner ports. 

The river is bordered by quays, piles, and dikes in places on both 
sides as far up as Bayonne. 

Beacons.— Six red beacons mark the dike on the southern side of 
the river for 1,100 yards above the old signal tower. 

Dangers.—The principal shoals in the river are as follows: 

Casquets—Towers. —The Casquets Rocks, situated in the middle 
of the river just above Le Boucaut, dry 2^ feet at lowest water, and 
are marked by two beacon towers, each 11 feet high, the eastern 
tower being red with a conical top mark, and the western tower black 
with lantern on top which is lighted. 

A rock with 1 fathom over it lies about 150 yards north-north¬ 
westward of the eastern tower of the Casquets, and another with 1J 
fathoms on it lies about the same distance south-southeastward of the 
tower. 

Dredging is in progress in the channel both eastward and west¬ 
ward of the Casquets. Caution is necessary in navigation. 

St. Bernard Bank is a large mud flat which extends two-thirds 
across the river for a distance of nearly a mile. Its western edge is 
marked by 5 black buoys. 

Lights .—The following lights are exhibited in the Adour River: 

Two fixed red range lights on the Quai des Forges. The front 
light is exhibited 26 feet above high water from an iron support, 20 
feet high, near a white hut, on the quay, 1,100 yards 328° from the 
western tower on the Casquets, and is visible 3 miles. The rear 
lignt is exhibited 57 feet above high water from a metal support, 49 
feet high, situated 164 yards 329° from the front light, and is visible 
9 miles. (See Light List.) 

A fixed red unwatched light, 23 feet above high water, from the 
western tower on the Casquets, visible 3 miles. (See Light List.) 

A fixed green unwatched light, visible 3 miles, 23 feet above high 
water, from a white iron column 19 feet high, situated on Blanc- 
pignon Point 600 yards 194° from the western tower on the Casquets. 
(See Light List.) 

Two fixed green unwatched range lights south-southwestward of 
the preceding light. The front light is exhibited 23 feet above high 
water from a white iron column, 19 feet high, situated 1,000 yards 
200° from the western tower on the Casquets; and the rear liglyt is 
exhibited 77 feet above high water and 5 feet above the ground from 
a white iron cylindrical hut, situated 164 yards 345° from the front 
light. (See Light List.) 


BAYONNE. 


377 


Two fixed green range lights on the left bank near a dock. The 
front light is exhibited 23 feet above high water from an iron sup¬ 
port, 19 feet high, near a white hut situated 1,450 yards 197° from 
the western tower on the Casquets. The rear light is shown 51 feet 
above high water from a white metal support, 49 feet high, situated 
160 yards 205° from the front light. (See Light List.) 

A fixed green unwatched light, 23 feet above high water, from a 
white iron column 19 feet high, situated about 1.15 miles 181° from 
the western tower on the Casquets. (See Light List.) 

The rear green lights are visible 8 miles and the other green lights 
3 miles. 

Wharves.— Right bank: Along the quay near the Forges de 
I’Adour, below Le Boucaut, are 3 large wharves, where vessels, loaded 
with minerals, coals, or embarking mine props, lie alongside in 
depths of 10 to 12 feet at lowest water. These wharves are furnished 
with 11 steam cranes, each lifting 14 tons, and one of 25 tons. Rail¬ 
ways extend from the wharves to the foundry, being also connected 
with the line from Bordeaux to Irun. 

At the quay of La Breclie, farther eastward, which is furnished 
with three 1^-ton cranes, there is a depth of 16 feet alongside at low 
water. 

Five small wharves with 5 similar cranes also border the quay at 
Le Boucaut. There are depths of 10 to 13 feet at lowest water along¬ 
side these wharves. 

Seven mooring buoys have been placed parallel to the river bank 
off the wharves of Le Boucaut, 2 below and 5 above the Casquets. 
They are used for off hawsers by vessels alongside the wharves when 
there is a swell. There is no charge for the use of the buoys. 

Cables for mooring ropes are loaned by the chamber of commerce. 
These are made of coir, either 47 or 24 fathoms in length, and 18 
inches in circumference. The charge is $4 or $2.40 a day, respec¬ 
tively, but if a cable parts the charge is $36 or $20. 

Before the village of Le Boucaut is a small harbor, frequented by 
pilots and fishermen. Near this harbor is the port office and station 
of Le Boucaut. The watch tower of Le Boucaut is northward of 
the village. 

Below St. Esprit Bridge, on the right bank, is the Quai de Lesseps, 
about 680 yards in length, which is occupied by the maritime railway 
station and railroad lines. On the river front of this quay are 12 
wharves, alongside which the depths are from 12 to 16| feet, with 
194 feet at the distance of 10 feet from the wharf. On these wharves 
are one crane of 5 tons and two of 1J tons. On the Quai de Lesseps 
is a hand crane of 5 tons. 

Left bank: On the left bank of the river there are several small 
wharves in the bight where the dry dock is situated. 


378 


GIRONDE RIVER—BIDASSOA RIVER 


At about the middle of the “ Allees Marines,” on the left bank of 
the river and -J mile below St. Esprit Bridge, is a wharf, 985 feet 
long, with 4 berths with 23 feet water alongside them. This quay 
is connected with the Midi Railway. On the quay are 3 steam cranes 
of 1J tons and a motor crane of 30 tons. 

Above St. Esprit Bridge the right bank of the river is furnished 
with quays and landing places for a length of about 260 yards. The 
right bank of the Nive is similarly provided. 

Tide gauge. —A tide gauge is situated near the front bar leading 
light. 

Port office. —Near the wharves at Bayonne is the port office, 
which is connected to the signal tower at the entrance by telephone 
and gives all necessary information as to the state of the bar. There 
is exhibited 3 times a day, at the port office, and also at the office 
of the inscription maritime at St. Esprit, a table indicating the time 
of high water, the maximum draft admissible at that time, the state 
of the sea on the bar, and the force of the wind. Near the port office 
is a mast on which the signals of exit are hoisted. 

Anchorages. —While waiting a berth at Le Boucaut wharves, 
vessels anchor off the Lazaretto (situated on the left bank of the 
river, about 1 mile within the entrance) in 20 to 26 feet at lowest 
water, near the right bank, from abreast the upper end of the Laza¬ 
retto to about 150 yards below the lower end of that establishment. 
In strong westerly weather a very heavy swell is felt, and at spring 
tides a violent stream, when vessels should proceed above the 
Casquets. 

Southward, about 200 to 500 yards from the beacon towers of the 
Casquets, there is anchorage in 16J to 20 feet, mud and sand. This 
anchorage is reserved for the tug and for sailing vessels. Small 
craft can anchor in 2J fathoms off the entrance to the dry dock. 
There is also anchorage in from 16 to 33 feet off the promenade of 
the Allees Marines of Bayonne. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
La Boucaut at 3h. 53m. Ordinary springs rise 9 feet, neaps 6J feet, 
above the level of soundings, which is about 8 inches below low-water 
ordinary springs. Springs range 8J feet, neaps 5J feet. At the 
highest equinoctical tides the rise is 13 feet. The stream in the 
Adorn* attains, both in flood and ebb, velocities of 5 to 6 knots in 
the narrow part between the breakwaters below the old signal tower. 
When the river is in flood the flood stream is not felt in this part 
of the river and the ebb reaches a velocity of 6 to 7 knots. Above 
the old signal tower both flood and ebb streams seldom exceed 4 
knots. 


379 


BAYONNE. 

Approach. —At the head of the Bay of Biscay deep water is so 
near the coast that sounding must not be relied on for making the 
land. 

As very high mountains border the northern coast of Spain the 
position may be fixed by bearings of their summits if they are 
visible, particularly by those of Urdaburu, Batallera (named also La 
Couronnee and the Trois Couronnes), and La Rhune, which have 
great elevations and are remarkable. 

Directions. —Sailing vessels bound to Bayonne with westerly 
winds should make the coast of Spain between Cape Machichaco and 
St. Sebastain, particularly in the winter months, so that should the 
weather become unsettled and the bar be impracticable they may 
enter either Port Passages or St. Jean de Luz Bay, which afford good 
shelter in heavy weather. From St. Jean de Luz communication can 
be made by telegraph, using the semaphore at Socoa if desired, and 
the state of the Adour Bar ascertained. A pilot for the river may 
be obtained here. 

A steamer should proceed to St. Jean de Luz if the weather is 
unsettled, if the bar is not likely to be practicable, or if the draft of 
water requires waiting for a high tide. 

At the head of the Bay of Biscay the Atlantic swell produces on 
the coast very heavy waves, which often occur even in calm weather 
and with off-shore winds, and occasionally break in from 10 to 15 
fathoms. 

The Adour is subject to freshets, or a considerable increase of 
water, which strengthens the current of the river so much as to turn 
back the flood stream and prevent its entrance. The stream, under 
these circumstances, always runs out, and the yellow color of the 
river water is met 3 miles or more outside. The river should not then 
be entered, because the stream increases the danger of crossing the 
bar; if, however, the wind be fresh, the signal to enter be made, and 
it is decided to enter, it will be necessary to have the hatches, boats, 
etc., well secured, as the sea on the bar is then dangerous. Under 
these circumstances ]t is necessary to be ready to enter at least 2 
hours before high water. 

Sailing vessels entering in bad weather, with the wind aft and a 
heavy sea, should carry all sail they can bear. The head sails should 
be set and the sheets hauled well aft amidships. This precaution is 
indispensable, for if the sea broaches the vessels to, the assistance of 
the head sails is necessary to regain the course. 

A sailing vessel bound for the Adour should keep northward of the 
entrance if the wind has prevailed from the north-northeastward, 
but southward of it when the wind has prevailed from southeast to 
west-northwest. In the former case the current seis south-southwest- 


380 


GIRONDE RIVER—RIDASSOA RTVER. 


ward, and vessels have sometimes been carried to the Spanish coast, 
and in the latter they have drifted northward of the bar, where there 
is no shelter, and being unable to keep off the land in bad weather 
have been stranded between the Adorn* and Vieux Boucaut. 

When the wind is from the west-northwestward steer directly for 
the mouth of the river, bearing in mind that St. Martin Point Light 
is 2.5 miles south-southwest of it. A vessel, with the wind from the 
westward, near the coast of Spain, and at such a distance as precludes 
entering before dark, should stand off and on under sufficient sail to 
counteract the effect of the current, which runs to the north-north- 
eastward, and, at time, when the wind has been blowing some days 
between west-northwestward and southward with a velocity of 4 or 5 
miles an hour. It will be prudent to keep to windward of Port 
Pasajes or St. Jean de Luz, in case heavy weather renders it advis¬ 
able to seek shelter at daylight. 

The bar should not be approached by a sailing vessel unless di¬ 
rected by signal, for if the breeze becomes uncertain or the sea heavy 
entry to the river would be refused, when it might be necessary to 
beat off to obtain an offing. A good mfirk to keep off the bar is the 
summit of La Rhune open westward of St. Martin Lighthouse. 

While J mile off the entrance to the river bring it to bear 116° and 
approach with it on that bearing. From the entrance between the 
breakwaters vessels now keep in the middle of the river until abreast 
the white tower of the outer leading light, and then along the north¬ 
ern side until abreast the Lazaretto, when the leading lights of Quai 
des Forges should be brought into line bearing 328°. With thir 
mark astern, pass 50 yards westward of the western tow T er of the 
Casquets and continue until the leading lights near the dock are in 
line bearing 205°, which mark ahead leads northwestward of St. 
Bernard Bank, marked by five buoys. When the leading lights of 
Blancpignon come into line bearing 345°, keep them astern until near 
the light at the Aretrague River, when keep in midchannel up to 
Bayonne, steering for the middle of St. Esprit Bridge, marked at 
night by a white street lamp between two red ones. 

4t night entry is prohibited, except in case of necessity, to sailing 
vessels not towed by the port tug. Steamers may enter under excep¬ 
tional circumstances. Sailing vessels are generally towed to Bayonne. 
Entry should not be attempted without a pilot. 

The masters of vessels desiring to leave at night should consult 
the chief pilot beforehand. 

The practicable width of the Adour varies from 220 to 440 yards 
at Le Boucaut and from 176 to 300 yards between the outer end of 
St. Bernard Bank and St. Esprit Bridge. 

The navigation of the Adour is not difficult after having passed 
the signal tower. 


BAYONNE. 


381 


Bayonne, the capital of an arrondissement in the department of 
the Basses Pyrenees, is well built and agreeably situated at the con¬ 
fluence of the Nive and Adour .Rivers, about 3.5 miles from the sea. 
It is the center of the thirteenth military division and possesses one 
of the finest arsenals in France. The rivers divide the city into three 
nearly equal parts, connected by bridges. Grande Bayonne, on 
the left bank of the Nive, contains the old castle and the cathedral. 
Petite Bayonne, on the right bank of the Nive, contains the new 
castle, and St. Esprit, where, on an eminence, is the citadel, occu¬ 
pies the right bank of the Adour. The Adour is here about 250 
yards in breadth and spanned by St. Esprit Bridge. 

The population of Bayonne in 1907 was about 26,488. 

Trade—Shipping.—The imports consist principally of iron ore 
for the iron works of Le Boucaut, wine, coal, corn, phosphates, and 
pyrites for the St. Gobain chemical works, wool, and timber. The 
exports are principally wood, iron, salt, sulphate of lime, chemical 
products, and the resinous products of the Landes. 

In 1913, 644 steam vessels, of 371,850 tons, and 74 sailing vessels, 
of 4,541 tons, entered the port of Bayonne. 

There are no special customhouse regulations. 

The United States is represented by a consular agent. 

Communication.—The port is served by railroads from Bor¬ 
deaux to Bayonne, Bayonne to Irun and Madrid, Bayonne to 
Toulouse, Bayonne to St. Jean Pied de Port, and Bayonne to Biar¬ 
ritz. Lines of Belgian steamers run monthly between Bayonne, 
Antwerp, and Hamburg; Spanish steamers every 8 or 10 days be¬ 
tween Bayonne and Bilbao, and between Bayonne, Santander, Gijon, 
Ferrol, Coruna, Carril, and Vigo. There are also steamers fort¬ 
nightly between Bayonne, Rouen, and Dunkerque, and small steamers 
ply constantly between Bayonne, Bordeaux, Nantes, and La Rochelle. 

Quarantine.—Vessels from foreign ports infected with plague 
can not undergo fumigation at Bayonne, but must proceed either to 
Pauillac or St. Nazaire. There are no special quarantine regulations. 

Sailors’ home.—There is a sailors’ home at Bayonne. 

Hospital.—Seamen are admitted to the civil hospital at a charge 
of 30 cents per day, and they receive every care and attention. 

Climate.—There are no diseases against which special precautions 
are necessary. The average rainfall is 56.3 inches annually. 

Dock.—At Bayonne there is a dry dock. (See Appendix II.) 

Repairs to hull and machinery are carried out on a fair scale on 
such vessels as frequent the port. Three thousand tons of iron can 
be melted and run at one time; cylinders of 144 inches diameter can 
be cast and bored; boilers of any size can be made or repaired; shafts 
of large size can be forged and turned; pipes of any size can be 


382 


GIRONDE RIVER—B1DASSOA RIVER 


brazed; masts can be made and boats built. Large castings and 
forgings are obtained from Dax. 

The chamber of commerce have diving apparatus. 

Coal. —There is a stock of coal at Le Boucaut, but it is very rarely 
sold. Vessels can coal both by day and at night; about 200 tons a 
da}^ can be put on board. The stock of coal and patent fuel at 
Bayonne is about 8,250 tons; about 200 tons a day can be put on 
board. There are four coaling berths of 300 feet length each, with 
from 18 to 20 feet alongside at low water, and one berth of 600 feet 
length, with 18 feet alongside. Coal is brought alongside in lighten 
or wagons. 

Supplies.— Provisions of all kinds can be procured. 

Water.— The Quai de Lesseps (at St. Esprit) is furnished with 
5 standpipes for fresh water; the quay of Le Boucaut with 3; the 
wharves of La Breche quay with 2; and the wharf of Allees Marines 
with 6. The price of the water is 62 cents a ton. 

Upper navigation.— The Adour is navigable for river craft as 
far as Mugron, a distance of 63 miles from the sea. Equinoctial 
tides are felt as far up the river as Dax, about 34 miles above 
Bayonne. 

The Nive is navigable from. Ustaritz to Bayonne over a course of 
about 8 miles. The inner ports of Bayonne are inaccessible to 
masted vessels. 

Adour River to St. Jean de Luz. —The coast of the Landes, 
with its uniform dunes of fine sand, extends from the mouth of the 
Adour to Pointe St. Martin, on which is the lighthouse of Biarritz. 

From this point southward the character of the coast changes 
completely. It is formed of high rocky cliffs, at the foot of which 
is a narrow sand beach generally covered at high water. Although 
deep water approaches to about ^ mile from this coast, it is little 
frequented on account of the strong currents which set on the land. 

Landmarks. —Besides the landmarks already mentioned there are 
the village of Guethary on the cliffs in the foreground; the light¬ 
houses of Ste. Barbe and the fort of Socoa, at the entrance of St. 
Jean de Luz Bay; the large tower of Bordagain, at the head of that 
bay on the hills above Ciboure; the rounded summit of Cambc 
named also Ursuia or Mendi Handia, which rises about 10 miles 
southeastward of St. Jean de Luz; then about Higuer Road, 2 de¬ 
tached rocks off Pointe de Ste. Anne or Tombeau; Chateau d’ Abadie 
Castle on Pointe de Ste. Anne; St. Martial Hermitage, about 3 miles 
southward of Pointe de Ste. Anne; Hendaye and Fuenterrabia 
villages; Cape Higuer Lighthouse and Amuiz Rock at its foot; and 
also Monte Jaizquivel. This summit, elevated 1,792 feet, is nearly 
in the middle of mountainous land extending from Cape Higuer to 
Port Pasajes. 


ST. JEAN DE LUZ. 


383 


Plateau de St. Jean de Luz. —The coast from the Adour to 
Higuer Road is fronted by rocks, over which there is plenty of 
water when it is smooth, but which must be given a wide berth in 
heavy weather, as the sea then breaks on the principal heads. These 
summits are, commencing from the northeastward: 

Loutrou, about 1.4 miles 346° from Biarritz Lighthouse, has G 
fathoms of water over it at low water, and it breaks heavily in 
westerly weather. 

Chouroubiague, about 1.2 miles farther southwestward, although 
covered with 12 fathoms of water, is dangerous in heavy weather. 
AVith much sea, breakers extend from Chouroubiague to the Basse 
des Esclaves. 

Grande Aroquiague, about 2.2 miles 273° from Biarritz Light¬ 
house, has 9 fathoms over it, with less water nearer the land. The 
sea breaks in all its vicinity in bad weather. 

Basse des Esclaves, j mile farther southwestward, has a depth of 
only 6 fathoms on it. This shoal is one of the first to break in heavy 
weather. 

Herreca, situated 4 miles northward of Socoa and on the outer part 
of St. Jean de Luz Plateau, has a depth of 15 fathoms on it, and 
seldom breaks. 

Placeta, eastward of the Herreca, is a large shoal with 9 to 12 
fathoms water on it, which breaks. 

Cambo Banco, about 1 mile eastward of the Placeta, has a depth 
of 11 fathoms over it at low water. , 

Illarguita, a large shoal with a depth of 12 fathoms on it, lies from 
about 1 to 2.5 miles south-southwestward of the Herreca, and on the 
outer part of St. Jean de Luz Plateau. 

Ficoa en Cala is a small patch with 10 fathoms of water on it, and 
at least 18 fathoms around, situated 1.5 miles eastward of the preced¬ 
ing. 

Aroca Tiquia, J mile southward of the Fioca, is a small rocky 
head with 9 fathoms water over it, which breaks except when the 
sea is smooth. St. Jean de Luz Church tower, between Ste. Barbe 
Jetty and Artha Breakwater, bearing 158°, leads between this rock 
and the Illarguita. 

Belhara Perdun, a shoal with 7 fathoms on it, forms the south¬ 
western extremity of St. Jean de Luz Plateau. It extends f mile 
east-southeast and west-northwest. The sea breaks on this shoal as 
on the Basse des Esclaves. 

Clearing marks. —The watch tower of Le Boucaut, in line with 
the old signal tower (rear leading lighthouse for the bar of the 
Adour), bearing 95°, leads northward of St. Jean de Luz Plateau: 
also the chimneys of Boucaut foundry in line with the signal tower 
at the mouth of the Adour leads northward of the Loutrou; Jaiz- 


384 


GIRONDE RIVER—BIDASSOA RIVER. 


quivel Summit, open westward of Cape Higuer Lighthouse, bearing 
223°, leads northwestward; the lighthouses on Pointe St. Barbe 
in line, bearing 101°, or St. Jean de Luz Church tower, in line with 
the opening which separates the fort of Socoa from the coast, lead 
southward. 

Light—Biarritz. —On Pointe St. Martin, 2.5 miles south-south- 
westward of the mouth of the Adour, and a short distance northeast¬ 
ward of Biarritz, from a round white tower with a basement, 144 feet 
high, a flashing white light, visible 22 miles, is exhibited, at an eleva¬ 
tion of 240 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Biarritz, about 3 miles south-southwest ward of the mouth of the 
Adour, is a watering place resorted to for its scenery and its genial 
though bracing climate. It has a station on the railroad from Bay¬ 
onne to Irun, and is also connected to Bayonne by a local line. The 
telegraph office is open till midnight. Population, 15,093 in 1907. 

Semaphore. —On the top of the cliffs of the projecting promon¬ 
tory at Biarritz, called Atalaya, is a semaphore elevated 128 feet 
above high water. The semaphore station consists of a white house 
with a black mast. The signals are not easily seen between the bear¬ 
ings of 166° and 93°, owing to the high buildings against which they 
are projected. 

Port.—There is a small harbor at Biarritz frequented by pilot and 
fishing boats. It consists of 2 tidal basins, and a third, which can 
be used as a wet dock or for flushing the other two. The entrance 
to the latter basin is 10 feet wide. Works commenced for a new port 
have been abandoned. They consist of a metal footbridge, 220 feet 
long, connecting the Atalaya with the Vierge Ilock; a breakwater ex¬ 
tending 70 yards northward from the latter rock, then eastward for 
about 87 yards; the latter part is broken down and is awash at high 
water. There is a landing place, consisting of a ladder and steps, on 
the north side of Vierge Rock. 

Fog bell.— A fog bell is installed on the Atalaya, near the en¬ 
trance of the port. 

Life-saving station. —Line-throwing guns are maintained at 
Biarritz. There is also one in the bight northeastward of Pointe St. 
Martin. 

Tides.— It is high water, full and change, at Biarritz at 3h. 52m.; 
highest springs rise 16J feet, ordinary springs 14 feet, and neaps 10 
feet above the lowest water. 

Guethary Bay.— Nearly midway between Biarritz and St. Jean 
de Luz is a bay used by the fishing boats of Guethary, which ground 
on a slip and are hauled on shore in heavy weather. 

Lights. —Two small red lights are used by the fishermen to indi¬ 
cate the channel. They are shown from a white support on the 


ST. JEAN DE LUZ. 385 

shore and a turret on the top of the bank. In line they bear 122°, 
A too- bell is placed in the turret. (See Light List.) 

Life saving. —A line-throwing gun is kept at Guethary and an¬ 
other at Bidart to the northward. 

St. Jean de Luz Bay, situated 10 miles south westward of the 
mouth of the Adour, forms nearly a semicircle, of which the opening, 
comprised between Ste. Barbe Point on the east and Socoa Point on 
the west, is about 0.8 mile across. From this line to the southern side 
of the bay, where the Nivelle River discharges, is a distance of 1,300 
yards. The depth, which is 7 fathoms in the central part, diminishes 
gradually toward the shores, but it is 3^ fathoms at less than 200 
yards from low-water mark on the shore in the southeastern part or 
anchorage of St. Jean de Luz and 500 yards from the same mark in 
the western part or anchorage of Socoa. 

The bottom is generally rocky, covered with mud and sand. For a 
long time this bay has been considered very dangerous, the sea in it 
in bad weather being so great that vessels were driven from their 
anchors. But the construction of the three breakwaters has made it 
a port of refuge, where the largest vessels are able to find excellent 
shelter. 

Breakwaters. —The breakwaters comprise the Western, extend¬ 
ing from the fort of Socoa, 1,066 feet 72°, built on the Criquas Rocks; 
Artha Breakwater, built on the Artha Rock, situated almost in the 
middle of the entrance of the bay, extending 754 feet in an 81° and 
261° direction, with a passage between it and Socoa Breakwater 
about 300 yards in width; and the Eastern, extending 590 feet 260° 
from Ste. Barbe Point, built on a rocky flat, and leaving between it 
and Artha Breakwater a passage about 400 yards in width, of which 
about 656 feet has a depth of over 5 fathoms. Shoal water extends 
165° westward of the end of Ste. Barbe Breakwater. 

Dangers in approach—Les Esquilletac.— About 4 mile north¬ 
ward of Ste. Barbe Point are the Esquilletac, a small patch of rocks 
on which there is a depth of 3| fathoms at lowest water. Large ves¬ 
sels never pass inside these rocks; the breakers on them, when the sea 
is heavy, extend to the shore. Shoal water extends about 400 yards 
from the shore northeastward of Ste. Barbe Point, Its outer edge, 
600 yards northward of the point, has a depth of If fathoms. 

Mabessin shoal lies about 4 mile north-northwestward of the 
outer end of Socoa Breakwater. Although there is a depth of 64 
fathoms over it at low water, it should be avoided when there is a 
heavv swell, as it then breaks. The currents set on it. 

Les Criquas Rocks extend considerably round Socoa Point and 
Fort. The sea breaks violently on them. 


38 G 


GIRONDE RIVER—BTDASSOA RIVER 


Clearing marks. —The lighthouses of Ste. Barbe Point in line 
lead northward of Les Criquas Rocks; St. Jean de Luz Lighthouses 

in line lead eastward; and Socoa Fort tower in line with the middle 

* < 

of the entrance of Socoa Port leads across the bank southeastward of 
the fort. When the sea is heavy it forms waves on these rocks at 
low water, which render the entrance of Socoa Port very dangerous 
for boats. 

Within the bay. —Southward of Ste. Barbe Point, sand shoals 
with rocky patches dry at low water from 400 to 500 yards offshore. 
The rest of the eastern side of the bay is sand and steep. 

Tower. —All the western side of the bay is filled with muddy sand, 
which dries at low water. Its edge is marked by a red beacon tower, 
with a conical top mark, 20 feet in height, but there are depths of 
less than 3 fathoms for 500 yards eastward of it. Some rocks, which 
uncover, extend about 200 yards from the shore, westward of the 
entrance of the Nivelle. 

Lights—On Ste. Barbe Point, two fixed red range lights are 
exhibited, which should be seen through an arc of 15° on each side 
of the leading line from a distance of 14 miles. The front light, at 
an elevation of 95 feet above high water, is shown from a small 
white house, 10 feet high. The rear light, 166 feet above high water, 
is shown from a square white tower with main building, 33 feet high, 
situated 372 yards 101° from the front lighthouse. (See Light List.) 

Socoa. —From a square white turret with black vertical stripe, 33 
feet high, situated on the western entrance point of the bay, about 
300 yards westward of Fort Socoa, a fixed white light, with a red 
sector, is exhibited, 115 feet above high water. The white light is 
visible 9 miles and the red 5 miles. (See Light List.) 

St. Jean de Luz.— Two fixed green range lights are exhibited at 
the port of St. Jean de Luz, which should be seen through an arc of 
15° on each side of the leading line, the rear light from a distance of 
12 miles, and the front light 10 miles. (See Light List.) 

The front light is shown from an iron support on a white hut, 20 
feet, above high water, on the eastern jetty of the port, 82 yards 
within the outer end. 

The rear light, which is often called Cibourne Light, is shown, at 
an elevation of 52 feet above high water, from a square white tower, 
46 feet in height, at the head of the port on the left bank of the 
Nivelle and at 448 yards 151° from the front light. 

Semaphore.— Between the fort and lighthouse of Socoa is a sema¬ 
phore, elevated 115 feet above high water; the house is yellow, the 
mast black. On the fort of Socoa is an old pilot mast, which, if 
required, could still be used. 

Pilots. —There is a pilot station at St. Jean de Luz for the pilotage 
of the ports of Socoa and St. Jean de Luz, as well as of the coast in 


ST. JEAN DE LUZ. 387 

the vicinity. These men are generally licensed for the Adour 
Bar. 

Life saving. —A lifeboat is stationed in the Port of St. Jean de Luz. 
Line-throwing apparatus are stationed at St. Jean de Luz and at Socoa. 

Moorings. —In the eastern part of the hay are four mooring 
buoys painted white. The anchors are placed northeast and south¬ 
west. Within a radius of 330 feet there is at lowest water a depth of 
4£ fathoms at the northern buoy and of 3j to 4 fathoms at the others. 
Another mooring buoy is placed in the western part of the bay. with 
a depth of 2} fathoms for 330 feet around it at lowest water. Be¬ 
tween this buoy and the port of Socoa there are two warping buoys. 
The mooring buoys offer all desirable security, and it is recommended 
that vessels should use them rather than moor with their own anchors. 
The Chamber of Commerce of Bayonne maintains at Socoa a depot 
of hawsers for securing vessels at the buoys. These hawsers are 
loaned at certain rates to masters avIio ask for them. 

In the center of the bay two mooring buoys are placed, in depths 
of from 5 to G fathoms. 

Whether at a mooring buoy or moored, if the weather threatens 
or a swell indicates a gale of wind, vessels should also secure by a 
hawser from the stern to the nearest mooring buoy in the direction 
from which the ebb stream comes. The hawser prevents the vessel 
swinging and turns being taken in the cables. It frequently happens 
that the wind, turned back by the Pyrenees, does not enter St. Jean 
de Luz Bay, but the sea in the bay is nevertheless very heavy, and to 
prevent dragging it is necessary to keep the vessel’s head to the 
northwest by the stern hawser toward the ebb. No charge is made for 
the use of the mooring buoys. 

Anchorage.— The best anchorage is in the eastern part of the 
bay in from 4 to 5 fathoms, between the mooring buoys. The hold¬ 
ing ground, sand and clay, is good. If no buoy is available, vessels 
should moor, laying their anchors north-northeastward and south- 
southwestward. The anchorage off Socoa is near the mooring buoy 
there and is only suitable for fine weather. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
Socoa at 3 h. 24 m.; ordinary springs range 13 feet, neaps 6J feet; 
the rise at highest springs is 14f feet, at ordinary springs 14 feet, and 
at ordinary neaps 10J feet above the level of lowest water. 

Inside the port of St. Jean de Luz the tidal rise at springs is only 
Ilf feet above lowest water. 

The flood stream enters St. Jean de Luz Bay off Ste. Barbe Point, 
whence it goes round the bay. 

On the ebb the waters from the Nivel le go out by the western 
pass. When the breeze is from seaward and light the stream makes 
a choppy sea; but when the sea is heavy it turns back the stream 


388 


GIRONDE RIVER—BIDASSOA RIVER. 


going out of the western pass. The stream then bends along the 
Artha Breakwater, is beaten back again at the eastern pass, and fol¬ 
lows the eastern side of the bay toward its point of departure. 

Directions. —The position can be ascertained by cross bearings 
of the two mountains—La Rhune and Batallera. Mont La Rhune, 
bearing 158° 5J miles from Fort Socoa, is lofty and sharp pointed, 
and has a hermitage on its summit. When bearing from 144° to 189° 
it presents a level ridge east-southeastward from the summit, which 
is prolonged when it bears west of 189°, and many ridges are seen 
much farther inland. Monte Batallera, 8.5 miles 216° from Fort 
Socoa, is high and broad, and on a southerly bearing appears like a 
crown set around with a number of small peaks on its summit. 
When bearing westward of 189° it loses this appearance, and pre¬ 
sents only three irregular peaks. It reaches about 2,780 feet above 
the sea. 

When the weather is fine and the sea does not break on St. Jean 
de Luz Plateau, take one of the following routes: 

South of Belhara Perdun: Bring and approach with St. Jean de 
Luz Church tower in the opening between the fort and point of 
Socoa, bearing 117°, or, if there is any swell on Belhara, keep the 
church tower shut in behind the cliff of Socoa Point. Then steer 
with, as they come on, the two lighthouses on Ste. Barbe Point in 
line bearing 101° and a little northward of Cambo Summit, the 
two lighthouses of St. Jean de Luz in line bearing 151°. This 
mark leads between the breakwaters of Socoa and Artha, in a least 
depth of 7 fathoms at lowest water. When within the breakwaters 
steer for the mooring buoy or the anchorage. 

Pass of Illarguita: The tower of Bordagain open its own width 
westward of Socoa Lighthouse, or the church steeple of St. Jean de 
Luz in line with the eastern end of Socoa Breakwater bearing 130°, 
leads between Illarguita and Belhara Perdun and to the alignment 
of the two lighthouses of Ste. Barbe, whence continue as above. 

Pass of Herreca: La Rhune Summit in line with Ciboure Church 
tower bearing 165°, or the same summit in line with the Bishop’s or 
Cony house, which is situated on the hill between Ciboure baths and 
Pocalet, bearing 163°, leads between Illarguita and Herreca. When 
the lighthouses of St. Jean de Luz are seen steer to bring them into 
line and proceed as above directed. 

Pass of Esquilletac: Vessels from the northeastward or from the 

« 

Adour may pass inshore of the plateau of St. Jean de Luz by keeping 
Monte Batallera open westward of Pointe Ste. Barbe, bearing 217°; 
then Boucaut, Foundry chimneys open a little westward of the rock 
off the extremity of Pointe de Biarritz, bearing 49°, until Monte 
Batallera is in line with Fort Socoa, bearing 216°, which leads to the 
alignment of St. Jean de Luz Lights. Or, if entering eastward of 



ST. JEAN DE LUZ. 


389 


Artha Breakwater, leave the line of Batallera-Fort Socoa, when the 
church steeple of St. Jean de Luz is in line with the outer end of 
Ste. Barbe Breakwater, bearing 165°, which leads westward of 
Esquilletac, until Borclagain Tower is in line with a triangular white 
rock on the shore below the houses of Chaterata, bearing 195°, which 


leads in not less than 5^ fathoms eastward of Artha Breakwater and 
direct to the mooring buoys. This latter line leads close to the shoal 
water oil' Ste. Barbe Point. 

When the sea is heavy with west-northwesterly or west-southwest¬ 
erly winds the passes of Illarguita and Herreca only are practicable, 
the others being closed by breakers, and the former is that ordinarily 
used by the pilots. 

At night bearings of the lights of Biarritz, Socoa, and Cape Higuer 
will serve to fix the vessel's position. 

From the westward, with a smooth sea, pass southward of Belhara 
Perdun with Ste. Barbe red lights in line; enter the bay with St. 
Jean de Luz green lights in line, and when Socoa Light changes to 
red steer about 121° and make fast to a mooring buoy or moor when 
the upper light of St. Jean de Luz disappears, taking care to keep 
clear of the moorings, which are placed northeast and southwest. 

If intending to anchor on the western side of the bay, leave the 
line of St. Jean de Luz Lights when Socoa Light changes to red and 
steer 197°. When Socoa Light again becomes white the vessel is 
about 100 yards from the mooring buoy, to which she may secure or 
anchor, as convenient. 

In heavy weather the only practicable pass at night is that of Illar¬ 
guita, for which steer with Socoa Light bearing 139° until Ste. Barbe 
Lights are in line. 

If, as happens sometimes in winter, there are many vessels in the 
bay, having passed the end of Socoa Breakwater, steer to the east¬ 
ward and anchor under Artha Breakwater in a depth of 6 to 7 
fathoms. 

When approaching St. Jean de Luz with a fresh sea breeze the 
mariner should bear in mind that the wind often falls completely 
when nearing the bay, and sailing vessels are in danger of being 
swept by the currents on the shoals and breakers outside. 

Port du Socoa, a tidal harbor situated at the northwest angle of 
St. Jean de Luz Bay, is formed by 2 moles. The southern, 290 
yards long, serves for discharging merchandise, and particularly 
fish; the northern, 125 yards long, protects the harbor from the 
swell. The entrance between the mole heads is 115 feet wide. A tide 
o-aiure and fog bell are placed near the end of the northern mole and 
a tide gauge is also painted on the mole head, the divisions being 
placed at each 25 centimeters. A third mole separates the outer and 
inner harbors. The outer harbor is accessible in the best conditions 


390 


GIRONDE RIVER—B1DASSOA RIVER. 


to vessels drawing 13 feet, the inner to those drawing 11 \ feet, and 
5 feet less at neaps. 

There is a small gridiron in the outer harbor. (See Appendix II.) 

Port de St. Jean de Luz, or the port of the Nivelle, is at the 
mouth of that river. It is entered between two jetties, which extend 
in a northwest direction from the northwestern corner of the port 
and dries at low water, except in two places, which have depths of 6J 
feet at that time. Vessels drawing 10 feet are now able to cross the 
bar at high water and to enter the port. The ebb stream in the river 
sometimes attains a velocity of 4 knots. 

St. Jean de Luz, the frontier town of France, lies at the mouth of 
the Nivelle and is a favorite winter resort and a bathing place. Its 
population in 1907 was 4,523. 

The railroad from Bordeaux to Irun passes the town, where there 
is a station. 

Higuer Hoad, 4 miles westward of Socoa, is a large indentation in 
the coast lying between Pointe de Ste. Anne or Tombeau and Cape 
Higuer, a distance of about 2 miles. 

Dangers in approach. —About 800 yards northeastward of Pointe 
de Ste. Anne are the Black Rocks, which uncover at low water. 
About 0.7 mile northward of the same point and extending J mile 
east and west are the dangerous Briquets Rocks, the highest head of 
which dries 6 feet. 

Clearing marks.— The casino of the baths of St. Jean de Luz, 
open north of Socoa Fort, leads northward of the Briquets; Fuen- 
terrabia Church in line with the rocks off the western side of Pointe 
de Ste. Anne 232°, leads eastward; and Fuenterrabia Church, in line 
with the neck east of Pillones (conical peaks westward of Monte 
Batallera), leads westward. 

Cape Higuer, the western point of Higuer Road, on which stands 
the lighthouse, is rocky, and surrounded by reefs which uncover at 
low water. A castle is on the rocky eastern face of the cape. Amuiz 
Islet, situated about 200 yards northward of the cape, is rocky, of 
moderate height, and connected to the mainland by a reef, which 
dries at low water. A reef also extends over 200 yards northward 
and 400 yards eastward from the islet, and it should not be ap¬ 
proached closely. 

Light—Cape Higuer. —From the lighthouse, a gray tower with 
a white lantern, 69 feet in height, with a house adjoining, on one of 
the rises of this cape, a flashing white light, visible 16 miles, is ex¬ 
hibited 207 feet above high water. Rather higher and a little to the 
southwestward of the lighthouse are the house and tower of the old 
lighthouse, in ruins. (See Light List.) 

Landmarks.— Besides the landmarks already mentioned in the 
vicinity of Higuer Road there are: Hendaye Church Tower, with the 


BIDASSOA RIVER. 


391 


village on the rising ground which borders the right bank of the 
Bidassoa; the international railroad station at Iran; and on the 
western side of the bay the Spanish town of Fuenterrabia, in which 
the church and convent of the Capucins are especially noticeable. 

Neutral area. —Higuer Road being on the frontier between France 
and Spain, a neutral area has been set apart for the common use of 
the vessels of both nations. Its limits are defined as follows: 

On the west by 2 white pyramids on the coast midway between 
Cape Higuer and Fuenterrabia, in line bearing 212°. 


On the north by a white disk and a black pyramid 700 yards south¬ 
ward of Cape Higuer, in line bearing 201°. 

On the northeast by a line drawn 110° and 290° between a pyra¬ 
mid on Cape Higuer and a white pyramid on Pointe de St. Anne. 

On the southeast by 3 pyramids in line bearing 222°, the outer of 
which is situated near French Point, the inner in Fuenterrabia Vil¬ 
lage, and the center one on the drying bank in the river. The two 
latter pyramids are painted in black and white horizontal bands; 
the outer has half its surface white. 

The division of territorial waters outside the neutral area is indi¬ 
cated by two white pyramids on the south shore of the road, erected 
on the line of the meridian. The waters east and west of the neutral 
area are under the jurisdiction of France and Spain, respectively. 

Anchorage. —Higuer Road, being quite open from the northwest, 
through north to east, only affords temporary anchorage. In strong 
winds from seaAvard the sea is so heavy that it is almost impossible 
to remain at anchor, and shelter should never be attempted here. 

In very fine weather and for a short stay anchorage may be taken 
in 6J to 7 fathoms, sand, with Hendaye Church bearing 172° and 
the old lighthouse on Cape Higuer open southward of Castillo 
Higuer bearing 290°. About 200 yards eastward of the anchorage 
just mentioned and within the neutral area is the Irruari Bank of 
5J fathoms, sand and stones. 

La Bidassoa River, which for the last 7 miles of its course serves 
as a boundary line between France and Spain, flows into Higuer 
Road, the southern part of which it has filled with banks drying at 
low water. These banks form the bar, which dries from 3 to 10 feet 
at low water and extends northwestward from Hendaye. There is 
a narrow and sinuous channel, with a depth of 1 to 4 feet at lowest 
water across the shoals, which admits coasters and fishing boats. The 
ebb stream at springs runs out with a velocity of 3 knots an hour. 

Range lights. —Two fixed green electric range lights are exhibited 
from posts placed on the road leading from Cape Higuer Lighthouse 
to within the bar, and their alignment leads through the channel over 
the bar in the deepest water. These lights should be seen from a 


21235°—17-26 



392 


GIRONDE RIVER-BIDASSOA RIVER. 


distance of 3 miles. The posts are movable, and they are shifted as 
the channel changes. 

Tides. —It is high water on the bar, full and change, at 3h. 28m.; 
springs rise 15 feet, neaps 6J feet. 

Hendaye, a village and bathing place with a population of about 
2,050, is situated on the eastern side of the mouth of the Bidassoa. 
There is a railroad station here. 

Fuenterrabia town is on the western bank of the Bidassoa River, 
where it discharges into Higuer Road. It contains 4,345 inhabitants, 
who are mostly occupied in fishing. 



CHAPTER VIII. 


COAST OF SPAIN—BIDASSOA RIVER TO CAPE PESAS. 

The coast of the Province of Guipuzcoa extends between the 
Bidassoa River and Santurraran Point. It is about 30 miles in 
length, rocky, broken, but generally clear, and trends nearly in an 
east and west direction. San Sebastian, its capital, is of some com¬ 
mercial importance, but the greater part of its trade is done at Port 
Pasajes. The ports of the province are few and insecure, except 
Pasajes, which alone deserves the name. 

Currents. —The easterly current becomes stronger as the head of 
the Bay of Biscay is approached, and there it turns north-northeast¬ 
ward and north-northwestward along the French coast. With a 
west-northwesterly gale it is said to have a velocity of 4 miles an 
hour, and the local pilots consider that it occasionally attains 5 miles. 
The strength of the current during the gales of winter, which always 
veer to the northwestward, accounts for the many wrecks on the 
banks of Arcachon and Cap Breton. In summer and during north¬ 
easterly and southeasterly winds the current generally sets west-south- 
westward from 1 to 2 miles an hour. 

Winds. —The prevailing winds in this locality in winter are from 
south-southwestward and west-northwestward, generally with rain. 
In summer gales from east-northeastward and north-northeastward 
are frequent. 

The galernas are those sudden changes of wind from the south¬ 
ward to the northwestward, which blow strong and are common on 
the coast of this province and that of Vizcaya. They gelierally occur 
in July, August, and September, after a prevalence of hot southerly 
winds. It is seldom after a day of excessive heat that a galerna does 
not blow in the evening, the greatest strength of which will last from 
10 minutes to 1 hour. Sometimes the galerna comes on with the 
strength of a hurricane without any warning. Many of the wrecks 
on the coast of Guipuzcoa in summer are occasioned by the sudden 
changes of wind which overtake vessels with all sails set in a calm. 

Directions. —The coast of the Province of Guipuzcoa being visited 
in winter by strong west-northwesterly gales, the utmost caution is 
necessary, for if the small ports are missed nothing awaits a sailing 
vessel but a lee shore and probable destruction. For this reason every 
endeavor should be made to enter the anchorage of Guetaria or Port 

393 



394 


IRUN. 


Pasajes when running for refuge in a west-northwesterly gale, and 
when neither Santander nor Santona can be reached. 

To avoid disaster it is advisable to navigate near the land, with a 
view of being able to determine the position of the vessel, as it is 
more or less obscured during west-northwesterly and south-south- 
westerly gales. Should it be necessary to stand off the land to wait 
for daylight, as much sail as possible should be carried, so as not to 
lose ground, for with the wind keeping from the northwestward the 
vessel will drift toward the head of the bay, but with a view of en- 
tering a harbor a vessel should be near the land at daylight, so as 
to take advantage of high water should it be early. 

Irun, the first town in Spain near the boundary with France, and 
through which passes the road from that country, is situated on a 
height on the southern side of Monte Jaizquivel and has a popula¬ 
tion of 9,912. The railroad from Bayonne also passes through the 
town. 

The coast between Cape Higuer and the entrance of Port Pasajes 
is generally clear and steep. It presents some bays open to the 
northward, which are used by the boats of the inhabitants when the 
sea is smooth. These bays are those of Puerto Arso, 1.5 miles west¬ 
ward of Amuiz Isle; of Biosnar, 1 mile farther west; and Eliancin 
Cove. Near Turrulla Point, 3.7 miles west-southwestward of Cape 
Higuer and about 300 yards from the shore, are Turrulla Rocks, the 
largest of which is high. Between Turrulla Point and the entrance 
of Port Pasajes, a distance of 3.2 miles, the coast forms a curve, in 
which is Asabasa or Azavaratza Bay, containing a small beach. 

Monte Jaizquivel, or Olearzu (Shoulder of the Mountain, it 
being the last of the Pyrenees near the coast), is about 1.5 miles 
south-southeastward of Turrulla Point. It rises to a height of 1,792 
feet and its summit is uneven. There are five white towers, each 
about 30 feet high, on Monte Jaizquivel, and four of these are gen¬ 
erally visible from seaward, but the fifth is sometimes obscured by a 
spur of the same mountain. 

Port Passages—Entrance. —The entrance to Port Pasajes is be¬ 
tween the law and steep Great and Little Arando Points, which are 
220 yards apart, from which a narrow channel extends about 1,400 
yards south-southeastward and then expands into an extensive basin. 
The navigable width of the channel being about 80 yards, care is 
required in using it by large vessels. At high water the sea covers a 
part of the entrance points, and the entrance then appears wider than 
it actually is. The land on both sides is rugged and rises to a height 
of 717 feet on the eastern side and 087 feet on the western. 

Little Arando (Arando Chico), the western entrance point to 
Port Pasajes, is low and rocky but commanded by rugged land, 400 


POET PASSAJES, 


395 


feet high, named Cape la Plata, and by the fishermen Espejo de 
Pasajes. 

Depths. —The least depth of water in the channel from the sea to 
Port Pasajes is 3J fathoms at low-water springs. Dredging is in 
progress in the channel,-which is to be deepened to 20 J feet. 

Dangers in approach.—East Bank, 100 yards in length east by 
north and west by south, lies with its western end about *200 yards 
northeastward of Great Arando Point. The least depth of water 
on it is 5 feet. There are fathoms between it and the land and 
5J to 8 fathoms close to on its northern side. 

Clearing marks. —To pass northward of East Bank, coming from 
the eastward, keep more than 200 yards off shore until Great Arando 
Point bears 189° or the mouth of the port is open. 

West Bank, the eastern end of which lies 200 yards 351° from 
Little Arando Point, is nearly 100 yards in length, east by north and 
west by south. The least water on it is If fathoms; there are 54 
to 8 fathoms between it and the land and 8 fathoms close northward 
of it. The sea breaks on both these banks when there is any swell. 

Clearing marks. —The western extremity of St. Ana Hermitage 
in line with the western extremity of Sta. Isabel Castle wall, bearing 
145°, and open eastward of Cruces Point, or the beacons above Seno- 
cozulua Lighthouse on the western slope of Cruces Point, in line 
with one another and with the lighthouse bearing 15G° leads east¬ 
ward of west bank; at night the white sector of Senocozulua Light in 
sjght between 157° and 155°, or Sta. Isabel red light just open east¬ 
ward of Cruces Point green light leads eastward of west bank. To 
pass northward of it keep 400 yards offshore. 

La Redonda, a rock drying 10 feet at low-water springs, lies about 
70 yards offshore north of La Plata Lighthouse. 

Within the entrance.—Micanao Shoal, on the eastern side of 
the channel, extends more than 100 yards from the shore, 200 yards 
within Great Arando Point. On its outer end is a depth of 2f 
fathoms rock. The shoal formerly extended nearly 200 yards from 
tile shore, but the outer part has been removed by blasting, and the 
depth over it is 44 fathoms at low water. 

Lights—Cape la Plata.— On the summit of Cape la Plata, on the 
western side of the entrance, from a circular white tower, 40 feet 
in height, a fixed white light, visible 10 miles, is exhibited at an 
elevation of 480 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Senocozulua.— An occulting light with white, red, and green 
sectors is exhibited, at an elevation of 100 feet above high water, 
from a yellow low tower, with white lantern on cupola 24 feet high, 
situated on the western slope of Cruces Point, 137 yards west-south- 
westward of the southeastern end of the breakwater. The white light 


396 


POET PASSAJES. 


is visible 8 miles, the red light 4 miles, and the green light 3 miles. 
(See Light List.) 

Range lights. —Front light: A fixed green light is exhibited, 21 
feet above high water, from a white iron column on a masonry base, 
altogether 12 feet high, on the southern end of the breakwater at 
Cruces Point. 


Rear light: A fixed red light is exhibited, 36 feet above high water, 
from a white iron column with a masonry base, altogether 18 feet 
high, on the western angle of Santa Isabel castle. 

The lights are visible 4 miles. (See Light List.) 

La Torre Point (San Pedro).—A fixed white electric light, visible 
6 miles, is exhibited from an iron support, 15 feet high, on Torre 
Point, western side of entrance channel. (See Light List.) 

Channel—Eastern side. —The eastern shore, from the entrance to 
Bursa Cove, about 400 yards within, is fringed with rocks, some of 
which are uncovered. Bursa Cove is rocky and shallow. About 300 
yards southward of Bursa Point is Santa Isabel Castle, built at the 
foot of a hill and close to the water on Castle Point. About 600 
yards south-southeastward of the castle is Santa Ana Hermitage, 
situated in the village of San Juan, at the southern entrance point 
of the channel, on the western side, AVliere it expands into the port. 

Western side. —Within Little Arando Point the western side of 
the entrance is clear for 350 yards within the point, but thence to 
Cruces Point it is bordered by a rocky shoal, named Sepes Reef, 
whch uncovers at low water. The most otf-lving rocks around 
Cruces Point are connected by a breakwater 110 yards in length in 
a northwest and southeast direction, which lies close off the point. 

Cruces Mount, inside the point, is high and craggy, with a steep 
slope toward the channel of the port. On the mount at about one- 
fourth up is an iron cross, and on its western slope facing the en¬ 
trance are a lighthouse and two leading beacons. 

Between Cruces Point and Calparra Point, 400 yards to the south¬ 
ward, is Condemasti Cove, which is very shallow and dries at its 
head at low water. La Torre Point, the southern entrance point of 
the channel, on the western side, is in the village of San Pedro, oppo¬ 
site San Juan. 

Beacons. —Two white pyramidal beacons, each 19 feet in height, 
have been erected on the hillside above Senocozulua Lighthouse. 
These beacons, in line with one another and with the lighthouse, 
bearing 156°, lead by day into the harbor eastward of West Bank. 

The channel is marked by four beacons, two on each side, consist¬ 
ing of floating vertical masts on which are barrels, which move up 
and down with the tide. Those on the eastern side of the channel are 
painted black and are moored on what was the Micanao Shoal, in 


PORT PASSAJES. 


397 


1 


fathoms at low water, and off Mirador Point in 3 fathoms. Those 
on the western side are painted red and are moored off Cruces Point 
in 3;{ fathoms at low water, and oft La Torre in 3 fathoms. 

Port Pasajes—Bea,cons. —A green wooden horizontal spar, the 
outer end surmounted by a ball, has been established near the light 


on Cruces Point Breakwater. 

A similar spar, but painted red, has been established near the light 
of Santa Isabel castle. 

These posts mark the 3-fathom curve at low water of equinoctial 
tides. 

Vessels should pass as close as possible to the ball of each spar in 
order to reduce their turn. 

Harbor—Depths. —On passing La Torre Point both shores open 
east and west and form, with the southern shore, the harbor of the 
Port Pasajes. All that part of the port situated eastward of Santa 
Ana Hermitage is filled with mud, drying at low water, in which 
a channel, named Capuchinoe Channel, is maintained to afford com¬ 
munication b}' boats with the metal works of the Royal Asturias Co. 
The western part of the harbor is stated to have been dredged to a 
depth of 3J fathoms, and in the central part, southward of the 
channel, the depth is 26 feet at low water. Everywhere the bottom 
is of soft mud and dredging is in progress. Several mooring buoys 
have been placed in the harbor. 

Signal station. —There is a signal mast with yard at the Vigia 
situated on the cliff, about 330 yards east-southeastward of Great 
Arando Point, with which vessels can communicate by the interna- 
tional code. 

Port signals. —In order to avoid accidents between vessels enter¬ 
ing and leaving Port Pasajes, the following signals have been 
established: 

1. On a vessel entering the port a black ball is hoisted on the 
signal mast at the Vigia east-southeastward of Great Arando Point. 
This signal indicates that vessels must not leave the port until the 
vessel entering has passed the point of La Torre (San Pedro). 

2. On a vessel leaving the port two black balls are hoisted. This 
signal indicates that vessels making the port should not enter until 
the ^ssel leaving is outside the entrance points. 

The following signals are made from a mast situated on the west¬ 
ern end of the Transatlantic quay: 

1. One ball at masthead: Vessels must not leave the port. 

2. Two balls at masthead: Vessels must not enter the port. 

3. One ball at eastern yard arm: To the Transatlantic quay. 

4. One ball at western yard arm: To the Ancho or Herrera quays. 

5. Two balls at western yard arm: To the western mole of the 
Ancho. 


398 


PORT PASSAJES. 


(j. Two balls at eastern yard arm: To the eastern mole of the 

«/ 

Audio. 

7. Two balls at each yard arm: To the northern mole of the 

«/ 

Ancho. 

8. Three black balls on mast (2 above and 1 below the yard) : To 
the Chavarri wharf. 

9. Four balls on mast (2 above and 2 below the yard) : Anchor in 
the bay. 

Flag-S of the international code hoisted at the pilot station: Ask 
for pilot for inner harbor. 

This signal is made to inform vessels in the harbor that they must 
shift berth. 

Pilots.— At the harbors on this coast the activity of the native 
seamen alleviates the dangers considerably, being ready with their 
boats for piloting and towing vessels into them. The first boat 
reaching the vessel must be employed, and then those in the order in 
which they come alongside. Both men and boats are Avell qualified 
for towing, mooring, or warping. There are 5 pilots at Port Pasajes. 
If there is no pilot at sea, a lookout man is stationed on the heights 
near the mouth of the harbor to signal the approach of vessels, and in 
thick weather a vessel intending to enter should draw attention by 
firing a gun. 

When the sea is so heavy as to prevent boats from going outside 
the port, the pilot boat remains under the lee of Little Arando Point, 
and signals to the vessel with a flag on a staff, which is pointed in the 
direction the vessel is to steer, or held upright if she is to keep her 
course, and the pilot boards her directly she is within the points. 
Pilotage is compulsory for merchant vessels. Boats used are paid for 
besides the pilots, according to a tariff; and in bad weather vessels 
may depend on a supply of anchors, cables, hawsers, etc. 

Life saving. —There is a rocket apparatus at Port Pasajes. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
Port Pasajes at 3h. 20m.; springs rise 11 feet and neaps 9 feet. The 
ebb stream has a velocity of 2 knots an hour. 

Directions. —Urdaburu Mount, ,5.5 miles southward of the en¬ 
trance; Jaizquivel and Batallera Mounts, to the eastward; and Urgull 
and Frio Mounts, with the buildings on their summits, are good 
marks for determining the position of a vessel approaching the port. 
The opening of the port shows out well when it is on a southerly 
bearing. From the westward and near the land the lighthouse on 
Cape la Plata is shut in with the land until 1 or 2 miles northward 
of San Sebastian. 

In thick weather the distance offshore may be estimated by the 
soundings. At 13 miles northward of the port the depth is 85 to 101 


PORT PASSAJES. 


399 


fathoms, decreasing gradually, and at 2 miles, 36 to 43 fathoms, fine 
sand and mud, with rock in places more to the eastward. 

A sailing vessel entering the harbor should have a fair fresh wind 
and a flood stream, but should on no account enter without a pilot. 
With light airs, vessels anchor at the entrance and are warped or 
towed in by the native boats with the flood stream. 

The worst wind for entering is from the westward. When bound, 
therefore, to this port from the westward, with a westerly wind and 
bad weather, if possible run into San Sebastian Bay and wait for a 
change, or if sufficiently westward find shelter in Guetaria Bay, where 
the anchorage is safe and easily taken. Steamers enter at any time. 

Steering for the harbor the first buildings seen are the castle of 
Santa Isabel, and about £ mile within it, on the same shore, the chapel 
or hermitage of Santa Ana. While well seaward of the entrance 
bring and approach with the western end of Santa Ana Hermitage 
m line with the western end of Santa Isabel Castle wall, bearing 
145°, and open eastward of Cruces Point, which mark leads about 
30 yards eastward of West Bank and about the same distance west¬ 
ward of Great Arando Point. Or the 2 white beacons on the west¬ 
ern slope of Cruces Point in line with Senocozulua Lighthouse, 
bearing 156°, lead into the harbor eastward of West Bank. When 
within the points keep in the fairway of the channel, using the plan 
as a guide, observing that the first leading mark given above leads 
just westward of a depth of 2J fathoms on Micanao Shoal. 

Every vessel on entering should anchor in the middle of the port 
or moor to one of the buoys until the health officer, who will.come 
off if the quarantine flag is hoisted and the steam whistle blown, has 
given pratique and permission to go alongside the quay. The bot¬ 
tom is mud. 

At night the red leading light at Santa Isabel Castle just open 
eastward of the green leading light on Cruces Breakwater leads into 
the entrance of the port. The white sector of light from Senoco¬ 
zulua Lighthouse, which shows between the bearings of 157° and 
155°, also leads in. 

Port Pasajes. —There are three villages around the port; that 
named San Pedro, or commonly Pasajes de Espana, on the western 
shore, has about 500 inhabitants, mostly fishermen; that named San 
Juan or Pasajes de Francia, on the eastern shore, has about 950 
inhabitants, and has some building yards for small craft and some 


factories. 

Ancho is on the southern shore of the port, where numerous 
houses, warehouses, and factories have recently been erected, and 
there is also a railroad station. The trade of the port is now con¬ 
centrated here. 

The total population of Port Pasajes is 2,856. 


400 


PORT PASSAJES. 


Quays. —Herrara, or South Quay, is 1,188 feet in length, jvith a 
depth of 101 feet alongside it. Anchco (Old) Quay is 990 feet in 
length, with a depth of 19^ feet alongside it. 

Ancho Front Quay, presenting three sides of a total length of 
1,000 feet, has depths of 19J feet, 21J feet, and 26 J feet on its west¬ 
ern, northern, and eastern sides, respectively. Transatlantic Quay 
(new) is 693 feet long, with a depth of 26 \ feet alongside it. There 
are 12 berths for vessels drawing over 22 feet water, besides 3 berths 
for vessels loading iron ore. There is a landing place between 
Ancho Front Quay and Transatlantic Quay; near it are a flagstaff 
and a 30-ton crane. These quays are lit by electric light and pro¬ 
vided with standpipes for fresh water. Large vessels discharge coal 
and load with minerals alongside. There are about twelve 200-ton 
lighters. 

There is no hospital or sailors^ home and there are no special cus¬ 
tomhouse or quarantine regulations. 

Communications.— The following lines of steamships have regu¬ 
lar callings: Messrs. MacAndrews, with general cargo, from London 
(fortnightly), Liverpool (monthly), Glasgow, Antwerp, and Flam- 
burg; Societe Anonyme, John Cockerill, and Adolphe Depp, Ant¬ 
werp; Worms, Jesse & Co., to Bordeaux, general cargo; Tearnley & 
Eger, Christiania, timber and wood pulp; Chargeurs Reunis, Armori- 
caine, and Forges de Denain, Marseille, Bordeaux, La Rochelle, 
Havre, and Dunkerque. There are also numerous vessels running 
between Pasajes and the ports of France, Spain, England, Germany, 
and Belgium. 

There is railroad and telegraphic communication. 

Repairs, etc. —There is a patent slip at Port Pasajes. (See Ap¬ 
pendix II.) There is also a foundry, where small repairs can be 
executed. 

Trade.—In 1911, 727 vessels of 407,959 tons entered the port. 
The cargoes inward were generally wheat, barley, maize, coal, timber, 
china clay, and outward iron ore. The quantity of 156,780 tons of 
iron ore was exported in 1907. 

Coal. —About 30,000 tons of coal are imported annually, and about 
2,000 tons usually kept in stock at Port Pasajes. 

Supplies. —Provisions are easily procured. 

Coast. —About 1.7 miles westward of Cape la Plata is Mompas 
Point. The coast between this point and Little Arando, high and 
rugged, is the northern slope of the Mirall ridge of mountains, gen¬ 
erally known as Monte TJlia. 

Pekachiya Rock.— About 600 yards northeastward from Mompas 
Point is Pekachiya Rock, 300 yards in length, east by north and 
west by south, and 30 yards in width, with less than a foot of water 
over it at low-water springs, and on which the sea breaks when there 


SAN SEBASTIAN. 


401 


is. any swell. In case of necessity, coasting vessels may run between 
ibis rock and the land. 

Punta de Mompas is of moderate height and rocky; inland it 
rises to Monte Tilia, and on the height commanding the point there 
is a lookout house. Nearly 1 mile west-southwest ward from it is 
the northeastern point of Monte Urgull, and between is Zurriola 
Bay, receding to the southeast. It is strewed with rocks and reefs, 
and partly covered by a wide sandy flat, which surrounds the bay 
and dries considerably at low water. The little Urumea River runs 
into the head of the bay. Its bar is dry at low water, and only at 
high water and during fine weather can boats pass over it, when they 
can go up to the town of Astigarraga. A stone bride crosses the 
river near the bar. 

San Sebastian approach.—Monte Urgull, or Orgullo, is con¬ 
nected with the mainland by a low sandy isthmus, on which at the 
foot of the mount, is the city of San Sebastian. The mount forms 
a peninsula with fortifications on almost all sides, and on its summit 
is the castle of Santa Cruz de la Mota, 492 feet above the sea. 

A square tower, an old lighthouse now used as a watch house, 
stands on the northwestern side of the mount; it is white, and, con¬ 
trasting with the dark background, is seen at a great distance. The 
cliffs of Monte Urgull, and the large patches of grayish rock of 
which they are composed, are seen at some distance; they are more 
conspicuous than those of Monte Frio on the west. At the foot of 
the mount foul ground extends northward and northwestward nearly 
150 yards. 

Signal station. —A signal station with mast and yard is main¬ 
tained at the watch house and vessels can communicate by the Inter¬ 
national code with the pilots of the port. 

Monte Frio. —Monte Igueldo, westward of San Sebastian, ter¬ 
minates to the eastward in a hill 602 feet above the sea, and with a 
steep slope to the north. This hill is called Monte Frio, and on its 
summit is a square tower, formerly a lighthouse, and an excellent 
mark for the bay. 

Arrubia Rock lies a few yards off Arricobajo Point, the north¬ 
eastern extremity of Monte Frio; 100 yards north-northwestward of 
the rock is a patch of 2 fathoms; north-northwestward about 250 
yards from the point are patches of 3} and 4^ fathoms; and 000 
yards northward a patch of 4^ fathoms, stones. 

Santa Clara Island.— Between the above hills is the rocky island 
Santa Clara, 148 feet high, and about 400 yards in length east- 
northeast and west-southwest. The island is clear of danger on its 
south side, where there is a small mole, foul on the north, and con¬ 
nected with Monte Frio by a reef, which partly uncovers at low 


402 


SAN SEBASTIAN. 


/ * • 

water, and on which some stones, formerly deposited to form a 
breakwater, still remain. 

Danger.—La Bancha, a rocky shoal lying midway between the 
entrance points of San Sebastian Bay and 400 yards north-north¬ 
westward of Santa Clara Island, is about 300 yards in length north¬ 
east by north and southwest by south, and more than 100 yards in 
width. The general depths over it are 3^ to 4f fathoms, but there 
are patches of 2J fathoms near the eastern end. The. sea breaks on 
the shoal when there is any swell. The passages between the shoal 
and Mounts Frio and Urgull, as well as between it and Santa Clara 
Island, are about 400 yards wide, with 8 and 9 fathoms in mid- 
channel, and either may be used. The bottom is rocky. 

Lights—Igueldo. —On the northern slope of Monte Frio, from 
a white cylindrical tower, 44 feet in height, an alternating fixed and 
flashing light is exhibited, at an elevation of 428 feet above high 
water. The fixed light is visible 15 miles and the red flash 19 miles. 
(See Light List.) 

Santa Clara Island.— On the summit of the island, from a round 
white tower, 28 feet in height, is exhibited, 174 feet above high 
water, a fixed white light, visible 9 miles. 

San Sebastian Bay, between Mounts Urgull and Frio, is about 

1 mile deep southeastward, and surrounded by a white sandy beach 
of some extent at low water. The bottom of the bay is clear, except 
in the southwestern corner. In the middle there are depths of 3f 
to 5 fathoms. 

Anchorage. —Vessels, which can not enter the basin, anchor under 

the limited shelter of Santa Clara, where they are exposed to gales 

from northwest to northeast, and the sea which sets in east of the 

' • 

islet is occasionally so heavy as to occasion the loss of vessels and their 
crews. 

There is also temporary anchorage on the eastern side of the bay 
m about 44 fathoms off the entrance to the harbor, with the two mole 
heads just touching, bearing 49°, and Arrocazabala Point 325°. 

The bay is not adapted in winter for vessels which can not enter 
tiie basin, nor should those in the basin go into the bay if there is 
any likelihood of a northwest gale on account of the little safety it 
then affords, the impossibility of opening the basin again, and the 
difficulty in getting well secured. 

Mooring buoys. —There are 10 large buoys in the best positions 
m the bay moored in 2 rows of 5 each. These buovs have large rings 
secured to heavy moorings; the 3 westernmost near Santa Clara 
Island have, in addition, chains to that island. The use of these 
buoys is recommended, and vessels ride with 2 cables ahead and 

2 astern, head to the northwest. There are also 3 buoys oft' the en- 


SAN SKBAST1AN. 


403 


trance of the harbor, which serve to secure temporarily vessels wait¬ 
ing tide to enter the basin. The pilots are charged with securing 
the vessels and to caution their commanders how to act. 

I he charge for the use of one of the buoys connected by chain to 
Santa Clara Island is GO cents and for those off the harbor 30 cents 
per day. 

The harbor, on the southern side of Monte TTrgull, is formed by 
2 outer piers with a narrow entrance near the western end. It is a 
right-angled triangle in shape and is divided into 3 parts by an in¬ 
terior pier—the outer port, the tidal basin used by fishing boats. 


and the wet basin. 

The wet basin can take vessels up to about GOO tons. (See Ap¬ 
pendix II.) The use of the basin is free. 

A essels intending to enter the harbor anchor during fine weather 
near the entrance, and large vessels entering should have the aid of 
the country boats, as their assistance is necessary. 

* ' 0 v 


Harbor lights.—At the entrance to the harbor at the end of the 
eastern pier is a gas lamp showing a green light, and at the end of 
the western pier a gas lamp showing a red light. (See Light List.) 

A fixed red light is shown from an iron column, 21 feet high, near 
the Perla baths at San Martin, on the southeastern shore of the bav. 

Range lights.—Two fixed red range lights, which in line 159° 
lead in to the harbor, have been established as follows: 

The front light, elevated 40 feet above the sea and visible 11 miles, 
is located 35 yards 247° from the northwestern angle of the guard¬ 
house on the shore northward of Fort Pintore. (See Light List.) 

The rear light, elevated 53 feet above the sea and visible 12 miles, 
is located 30 yards 159° from the front light. (See Light List.) 

Life saving.—There are 2 lifeboats and a rocket apparatus at 
San Sebastian. 

Pilots.—The port of San Sebastian has 4 pilots, and in fine 
weather vessels are boarded well outside the bay. If the state of the 
sea prevents boats going out, the pilot remains under shelter of the 
eastern part of Santa Clara Island, and signals with a flag to a 
vessel entering. The vessel is to keep as she goes while the flag is 
vertical, or steer toward the direction to which it is inclined. It is 
compulsory for all merchant vessels over 50 tons to take a pilot. 
There is a good supply of anchors, cables, and other necessaries for 
vessels in a building retained for the purpose on the western pier of 
the basin, which are charged for according to a tariff. 

Tides, tidal streams, and current.—It is high water, full and 
change at San Sebastian Bay at 3h. 20m., but the tide is accelerated 
or retarded according to the wind; ordinary springs rise 12 feet, 
and neaps 9 feet. With strong winds from southwest to northwest 


404 


SAN SEBASTIAN. 


the tide rises 1 to 1J feet, above the usual level, and those from north¬ 
east to southeast depress it the same amount. The tidal streams are 
hardly felt in the bay. 

On the coast, in fine weather, the flood stream set eastward and the 
ebb westward. During heavy westerly weather the current runs 
strong to the eastward. 

Directions.—Vessels should only enter San Sebastian Bay dur¬ 
ing moderate weather, so as to be able to secure to the mooring buoys 
without difficulty. From the westward, during bad weather in 
winter, vessels should put into Guetaria Bay, or other safe port, to 
the westward. The heavy swell, which runs in during a gale out¬ 
side, produces so much motion in the small navigable part of the bay 
that it displaces not only the sandy bottom, but also lifts the anchors, 
when vessels are exposed to imminent danger, and no assistance can 
be given from the shore. 

The bay may be taken by sailing vessels with all winds, except 
those from the southeast quarter. With the wind strong from south 
by west to west by south there is some difficulty, in consequence of the 
eddy winds under Monte Frio, in entering by the channel between 
the mount and La Bancha. With west-northwesterly winds vessels 
may enter on either side of La Bancha, as convenient. Should the 
wind be from the northeast quarter close Monte Urgull and use the 
channel between it and La Bancha. This channel should always be 
used if there is much sea, keeping in the middle. 

From the westward the large tower on Monte Frio may be seen. 
It is conspicuous and an excellent mark. Mota Castle, on Monte 
Urgull, and the lighthouse on the north slope of Monte Frio are also 
good marks. Mounts Hernio and Itzarriz serve as landmarks by 
which San Sebastian may be identified from a long distance; also 
Monte Urdaburu, which rises southeast by south, distant 6 miles 
from the entrance of the bay, remarkable for two peaks on its sum¬ 
mit inclining eastward, and lower down one leaning in the same 
direction. 

Monte Batallera, another good mark, rises east-southeasterly 
from Monte Urgull, distant 9 miles. As the land is approached the 
bay, Santa Clara Island, the houses of San Martin at the head of the 
bay, and finally the city of San Sebastian will be seen. 

In approaching the eastern passage to San Sebastian Bay steer 
for Santa Clara Lighthouse on a 191° bearing, taking care not to 
bring it southward of 189° and keeping at least 300 yards off the 
shore of Monte Urgull. When about 400 yards from the lighthouse 
or when Igueldo Lighthouse bears 259° steer 144° midway between 
Santa Clara Island and Monte Urgull, and when Igueldo and Santa 
Clara Lighthouses are in line bearing 277° the vessel may steer for 
the anchorage according to her draft. The fixed red range lights 


SAN SEBASTIAN. 


405 


on the southern shore of the bay in line hearing 159° lead in through 
the eastern passage. 

The red light at San Martin in line with Arrocazabala Point leads 
just over the western end of the foul ground off Martinacosulua 
Point. 

San Sebastian City, the capital of Guipuzcoa, occupies the isth¬ 
mus between Monte Urgull and the mainland extending eastward to 
Frumea River and is the summer residence of the royal family and 
a much-frequented watering place. The houses are almost all mod¬ 
ern, built in straight streets and regular squares, and present an ap¬ 
pearance unlike most Spanish towns. There are two churches, a 
theater, hospitals, etc. The manufactures are insignificant. Most of 
its trade goes through Port Pasajes. The population in 1910 was 
47,894, to which number some 10,000 visitors must be added in the 
summer season. 

There are no unusual quarantine or customhouse regulations, nor 
are there any facilities for the repairs of vessels. The mean tempera¬ 
ture is 57.2° ; for the month of January, 4G.8° ; and for August, 68.7°. 

Communication.—There is no regular line of steamers to other 
ports. There is a railroad to Bilbao and St. Jean de Luz. The tele¬ 
graph office is always open. An electric tramway connects San Sebas¬ 
tian with Hendaye, on the French frontier, via Irun. A narrow- 
gauge railway connects San Sebastian with Pamplona. 

Hospital.—All foreigners are admitted to the general hospital, 
there being no special hospital for seamen. 

Coal—Supplies.—Over 5,000 tons of coal are usually in store here 
and at Port Pasajes. Vessels are supplied in the bay by barges. 
There are about 12 lighters, of an average capacity of 100 tons. 

Provisions mav be obtained in the market and fresh water from a 
pipe on the wharf eastward of the basin. 

Monte Hernio, at the back of the high coast land, is seen from 
the offing, with its 3 peaks, not very marked but sufficiently conspicu¬ 
ous to distinguish it from a distance. It rises about south of the 
mouth of the Orio, 7 miles inland, and reaches 3,488 feet above the 
sea. Farther westward, seen above the high coast land, is another 
peaked mountain, called Itzarriz, 5.5 miles inland, and about south 
by west of the estuary of Zumaya. These mountains are good distant 
marks for the estuaries of Zumaya and Orio and the Bay of Guetaria. 

Coast.—The coast from Monte Frio, on the western side of San 
Sebastian Bay, trends west-southwestwarcl 5.5 miles to Orio River. It 
is generally low, with moderate slope as far as Tierra Blanca Point, 
whence to Orio River it is rugged. The high land immediately over 
this part of the coast is named Monte Igueldo, and the village of the 
same name stands on its summit near its eastern part. 


406 


OR 10 RIVER. 


Galera Point, 1.7 miles westward of San Sebastian Bay, is low and 
dark. Some rocks lie a short distance northward from it. Between 
the eastern extremity of Monte Igueldo and Galera Point are some 
small bays with rocky shores and offering no shelter. 

The most remarkable rise of the summit of Monte Igueldo is Monte 
Agudo or Mendizorrotz, 1,514 feet above the sea, a little southward of 
Tierra Blanca Point, 3.2 miles west-southwestward of San Sebastian 
Bay. Some rocks lie near Tierra Blanca Point, which has some white 
patches on it. About 1.2 miles west-southwestward of Tierra Blanca 
Point and near the shore is Aranarri Islet or Rock, which is low and 
40 yards in length. In smooth water boats pass between it and the 
land at high tide. The dill's, which distinguish this part of the coast, 
are of slate rocks, which when wet reflect the sun’s rays and appear 
in large white patches. 

Orio River rises in the Pyrenees, passes Tolosa, and runs over a 
course of about 33 miles. It flows into Orio Bay between Tierra 
Blanca Point and Malla-arria Point, 3.7 miles westward, the coast 
between the points being high and rocky. 

The river entrance between Anarri Point on the east and Barra 
Point on the west is very narrow and open to the northward; within 
the bar the river soon trends eastward, widens, and deepens. The 
freshets in the river are so strong that vessels anchored in it are 
obliged to be additionally secured. 

Bar—Depth.—The bar, which has 1^ feet over it at low-water 
springs, can be crossed by vessels of moderate size but only at high 
water with a smooth sea. The bar is of shifting sand and extends 
nearly the whole way across between the entrance points, the channel 
being on the western side. The bar breaks with winds between 
northeast and northwest. 

Orio Village stands on the right bank, more than 4 mile within 
the bar. It has a population of 1,268. Water can be obtained. The 
old breakwater is being reconstructed. 

Pilots.—In consequence of the shifting nature of the bar of the 
Orio it is necessary to take a master of a fishing boat as pilot. The bar 
can only be crossed in very fine weather, it being dangerous when 
there is any swell. During unfavorable weather vessels wait in 
Guetaria Bay. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at the mouth of Orio 
River at 3h., and the greatest rise is stated to be about 14^ feet. 

Malla-arria Point projects from the foot of a hill named Tala- 
yamendi, at the eastern side of the bay and plain of Zarauz. The 
point is surrounded by rocks always above water, and the most notice¬ 
able of them is Malla-arria, which is pointed, of small extent, and 
appears isolated at high water. A heavy sea sets in on the point, 


GUETARIA BAY. 


407 


and it should be given a wide berth. One mile northward of the 
rock there is a depth of 19 fathoms. 

Mineral loading* place.—A mineral loading place has been con¬ 
structed above the rocks of Malla-arria. Vessels proceeding to this 
place first anchor in Guetaria, where they receive the pilot, who con¬ 
ducts them to the loading place and moors them conveniently. In 
the event of bad sea or weather a vessel moored here should take 
refuge in Guetaria. The depths under the scoop are ‘221 feet at low- 
water spring tides. 

Zarauz, a town known as a great summer resort of strangers and 
for the manufacture of textures, stands on a plain near the beach in 
the western part of Zarauz Bay. It has 2,838 inhabitants. A small 
pier for landing extends from the middle of the town, and a rivulet 
runs into the sea at the eastern end of the beach. At a short distance 
southward of Ytegin Point is A lie Point, which projects from the 
foot of Monte Santa Barbara, on the summit of which is a her¬ 
mitage. This point forms the western extiemity of Zarauz Bay and 
is a tongue of land which projects from the foot of a cliff; 200 yards 
eastward is Martin-arria Rock, with a passage inside it carrying 
about 4 fathoms and about 150 yards wide. This rock shows only at 
low-water springs, when it appears like a buoy. Zarauz Bay is bor¬ 
dered by a clear, level beach 1.2 miles in length, but it is entirely 
open to the northward; the town forms a good mark from seaward. 

Alzacoarria Point, the southern extremity of Guetaria Bay, is 
low, surrounded by rocks, and overlooked by high, rugged land. Be¬ 
tween the point and town of Guetaria there is a small sandy beach 
named Marcobe. With the exception of this beach the coast is rocky 
and formed of rugged cliffs over 90 feet in height. 

Guetaria Bay.—San Anton Island, or Piedra Alzada, is about 
f mile in circumference, and rugged, with steep rocky cliffs on its 
northwest side. Its greatest height is 358 feet. There are 2 peaks, 
the higher being to the southward. On the northern are the remains 
of an old building and a lighthouse. It lies north and south and is 
connected with the mainland by a ridge of rocks, upon which a mole 
has been built. A reef of rocks, which nearly always show, extends 
100 yards from the northern point of the island. On the eastern side 
of the island and the mainland to which it is united is Guetaria Bay. 

Liglit.—On the northern peak of San Anton Island, and 165 
yards from the northern extremity, from an octagonal white tower, 
37 feet high, a fixed white light, visible 9 miles, is exhibited at an 
elevation of 295 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Harbor.—At the southern part of San Anton Island is the little 
port of Guetaria, a small space between two piers, with the entrance 
to the south-southwestward and about 30 feet wide; it is nearly dry 
21235°—17-27 



408 


GUETAKI A. 


at low water, and fishing boats and such craft alone can enter. The 
bottom is rock, and the craft suffer from the swell when there is 


any sea. 

Town.—The town of Guetaria is on the point of the mainland, be¬ 
tween two cliff's from 90 to 160 feet high, inclined toward the port. 
It is a walled town containing 1,351 inhabitants, mostly fishermen, 
and small supplies may' be obtained. There are no pilots, nor is 
there any coal. 

Anchorage.—The bay, which is open to the eastward, affords 
anchorage in from 3 to 8 fathoms at loiv water, sand, good holding 
ground, and sheltered from the westward as far round as northwest. 
In heavy northwesterly weather, although the sea is inconvenient, it 
does not risk a vessel’s safety; but the bay is open to winds from the 
eastward of north. Gales from this quarter are infrequent, and when 
one does occur the seaman must use his own judgment. Four red 
mooring buoys are laid in the bay in 31 feet of water at a convenient 
distance from each other to permit large vessels to moor to them. 
The best anchorage for moderate drafts is in 5 fathoms at low water, 
sand, 200 yards southeastAvard of the pier. Large A^essels can anchor 
about 300 yards eastward of the southern mooring buoy, in 7 fath¬ 
oms, sand, midway betAveen Points Alzacoarria and Mazoparria. 
Small vessels anchor inside the mooring buoys with a cable fast to the 
shore. 

There is a store of hawsers, cables, etc. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, in Guetaria Bay, at 
3h.; springs rise 12 feet. 

Directions.—San Anton Island from the westward may be known 
by its someAvhat saddle-like appearance, with the lighthouse and the 
ruins on the northern summit. The church tower and some of the 
roofs of the houses will first be seen, the rest of the toAvn being shut 
in by the western cliff. From the northward San Anton Island ap¬ 
pears in the shape of a cone, and somewhat blended with the high 
land from which it projects, but the whitish sand forming Zarauz 
Beach eastward of it indicates the position of the bay. Give a berth 
of 4 mile to the north point of San Anton, and avoid the rocks off 
Ytegin Point. The swell’and eddy wind from the high land should 
be considered. If the Avcsterlv wind be too strong for Avorking in the 
bay, anchor as soon as 8 or 9 fathoms water are obtained, when the 
vessel will be sheltered. 

The coast.—Westward of San Anton Island is Gasteatape Bay. 
Avith a sandy beach and skirted nearly throughout by rocks, some of 
which uncover at Ioav Avater. The bay terminates in Campaya Point, 
which is clean, and between it and Izustarri Point, a short distance 
westward, there is a break in the land, through which a small river 
runs into the sea. Izustarri Point is low and salient. A reef extends 


ATALAYA. 


409 


lrom it, which in part uncovers at low water. The sea breaks a 
considerable distance outside it, and a berth of a mile should be 
given to this point. Orrua Bay, with a small sandy beach, lies west¬ 
ward of Izustarri Point. It should not be approached, as the sea 
breaks for some distance off it. A factory stands near the shore in 
this bay. 

Zumaya Inlet.—Between Izustarri Point and Monte Atalaya, 
about J mile to the westward, is Zumaya Estuary, which recedes 
south westward to the entrance of Urola River. Pena Blanca on the 
west and the island of San Anton and the lighthouse of Guetaria on 
the east are good marks for Zumaya Inlet. On nearing the land the 
hermitage of San Telmo may be seen over the west entrance point, 
when a vessel should make the signal for a pilot. 

The bar of Bumaya lias 6^ feet over it at low-water springs. A 
mole has been constructed, which, passing close to a stone beacon, 
terminates near the bar and in continuation an enrockment, which 
terminates in the port a few yards from the principal landing mole. 
These works protect the estuary on its western side. The eastern 
side is formed by the sandy beaches of Santiago and Portuchiqui; 
the mouth is formed by the end of the mole and Arrauna Point, with 
a width of about 200 yards. The channel then narrows, with de- 
creasing depths. Farther in there is a shoal over which the depth 
is 2 feet, after which the depths vary from nil to 5 feet. Near the 
landing mole they are from 3 to 5 feet. 

Monte Atalaya, or San Telmo, on the western side of Zumaya 
Inlet, is of moderate height in its western part, declining to the 
eastward. On it is a disused signal mast. Its base is surrounded 
by reefs, on the extreme of which, nearest the breakwater, is a bea¬ 
con which formerly marked the bar, and which consists of a stone 
tower surmounted by an iron cylinder and white iron globe of open 
work. 

Light.—On Monte Atalaya, about 200 yards within the outer 
edge of the reef, from an octagonal tower 39 feet high, a fixed white 
and green lights visible 10 miles is exhibited 134 feet above high 
water. (See Light List.) 

Signal station.—On Atalaya Baja, north-northeastward of and 
near the lighthouse, is a house with a mast and yard, whence signals 
are made to vessels in the vicinity and making for the port. The 
rules of the port prohibit vessels from entering or leaving without 
permission by signal from this station. The following are the sig¬ 


nals made: 

White flag at the masthead: Permission to enter. 

White flag at half-mast: Permission to sail. 

Blue, red, and white flag in horizontal bands at the masthead: 
There is no entry. 


410 


ZUMAYA. 


Blue flag at the masthead: Wait to windward in sight of the signal 
station. 

Red flag at one yardarm and blue flag at the other: Approach 
the bar. 

Blue flag at the masthead and red flag at one yardarm: There is 
no entry; seek the most convenient port. 

This last signal is usually made in northwesterly gales. 

Pilots.—No vessel should attempt to enter the inlet without a 
pilot and the assistance of one or more boats, in consequence of the 
narrowness of the channel, which scarcely admits of their winding. 
There are 3 pilots. 

Tides.—It is stated to be high water, full and change, at Zumaya, 
at about 3 h. 20 m., and the greatest rise to be ’5 feet. 

The times of high water may be accelerated or retarded an hour 
or more, especially at neap tides, depending on the amount of water 
issuing from Urola River, which is small in summer, but is subject in 
rainy weather to floods, when vessels must be properly secured. 

Zumaya town, which has 2,404 inhabitants, is situated on the 
western side of a small peninsula named Monte Santa Clara. It is 
visible from seaward on a southwesterly bearing. There is a mole 
at the town for vessels to go alongside and on it a crane for loading 
and discharging cargo. The port is frequented by vessels up to 
about 200 tons, which bring jute, coal, and wood and load with 
hydraulic cement, the principal article of export. 

Small supplies and water by means of hose from a pile on the 
mole may be obtained. There is also a careening place and a yard 
where small craft are built. 

Pena Blanca or Aitzuri Point.—From Monte Atalaya the coast, 
which is of moderate height, runs westward 3.7 miles in a series of 
rocky cliffs to Pena Blanca Point. The most salient part is Piedra 
Point or Elorriaga, 1.5 miles westward of Monte Atalaya, and it is 
all skirted by rocks. Pena Blanca Point, called also Aitzuri, lies in 
the middle of a rocky bay. The point is surrounded by rocks, and 
the bottom is very irregular, which causes a heavy sea in stormy 
weather. A berth of 2 miles should be given to this coast. Pena 
Blanca is the name given to some white fissures in the land over 
Aitzuri Point, which rise in some parts 435 feet above the sea. These 
fissures, being visible from the distance of about 20 miles, form an 
excellent mark. 

Deva Inlet and River.—Santa Catalina Point, also named 
Aitzandi, a long mile westward of Aitzuri Point, extends from a hill 
on which there is a conspicuous white hermitage of the same name. 
This point forms the eastern extremity of Deva Inlet and is sur¬ 
rounded by rocks which uncover at low water. The sea often breaks 


PORT MOTRICO. 


411 


on the extremity of the rocks, and a berth of over 1 mile should be 
given to them. 

Arrangasia Point, which rises to an elevation of 775 feet, forms 
the western extremity of Deva Inlet. It projects northeastward 
from the rugged coast and is surrounded by rocks. On its eastern 
side is an indentation with a smooth sandy beach for which boats 
usually run when, from the swell or the tide being out, they can not 
reach Port Motrico or Deva Inlet. 


Landmarks.—The entrance to the Deva may be known by the 
objects east and west of it; by Monte Anduz, 2,001 feet high, 2 miles 
southeastward of the town, and by Santa Catalina Hermitage. 

Bar—Depth.—Southward of the sandy beach is the bar of Deva 
River, over which there are 11 to 12 feet at high-water springs. The 
Deva rises in Monte Arano but is of little service to navigation, as 
the bar shifts and nearly dries at low water, leaving only a small 
channel, and the sea often breaks on it even at high water. The 
channel is very narrow, and there is much swell in it when there is a 
sea outside. It is partly formed by a mole and an enrockment par¬ 
allel to each other, which nearly reach the bar. 

Deva.—Beyond the narrow part of the channel the inlet widens, 
and on its eastern shore, on the northwest slope of Monte Anduz, is 
Deva town, with a population of 2,968, most of whom are employed 
in the fisheries. 

Pilots.—It is compulsory for vessels bound to the Deva to take a 
pilot. The duty is performed by fishermen, there being no regular 
pilots, and one will generally be found otf the coast. 

Tide.—It is high water, full and change, at the Deva at 3h., and 
the rise is 11 feet. The stream when the river is in flood is very 
strong. 

Port Motrico.—About 1.5 miles westward of Arrangasia Point, 
and a little southward of San Nicolas Point, is a small cove with 
rocky shores receding to the southwest. Here, between two small 
piers, is the little port of Motrico, where coasting and fishing vessels 
find refuge; but the bottom is rocky, and it dries at low-water 
springs. The mouth of the port is narrow and open to the south¬ 
east, and when there is much sea small craft are unable to enter. 

Outside the entrance there is a small space with a depth of 4 or 
44 fathoms water, muddy sand, where vessels can lie in moderate 
weather; but they risk being wrecked on the cliffs of the cove if bad 
weather should suddenly come on and prevent their entering the 
port. It should only be resorted to by small vessels in summer, for 
during winter there is nearly always a heavy sea on the coast. 

Town.—The town of Motrico, which contains 3,520 inhabitants, 
stands on a rather steep slope of the land behind the port. It may be 


412 


ONDARROA INLET. 


seen from a great distance, owing to the whiteness of the houses, 
when eastward of Cardal Point. 

Landmarks.—Besides the town, San Nicolas Point and Monte 
Arno, known as Alturas de Arno, are good marks. Monte Arno is 
about 2,050 feet above the sea and 2J miles south westward from 
Motrico; it extends toward Ondarroa Inlet. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at Motrico, at 3h., and 
the rise is 10 feet. 

San Nicolas Point is barren and rocky, and on its highest part 
is a watch house. Cardal Point, a short distance westward, has a 
reef extending from it to the northeast, on which in fresh breezes 
there is a heavy sea. In a northwesterly gale a berth of 3 or 4 miles 
should be given to Cardal Point. 

Santurraran Point, about 1.5 miles west-northwestward of 
Cardal Point, and on the eastern side of Ondarroa Inlet, is rocky, 
and a reef extends some distance from it. Behind the point is high 
rugged land, descending from Monte San Nicolain. On its western 
side is a sandy beach, open to northwesterly winds. The boundary 
line between the Provinces of Guipuzcoa and Vizcaya passes through 
this point. 

Cabo Santa Clara, or Pena Mayor Point, is 2.2 miles north¬ 
westward of Cardal Point. An extensive reef extends southeast¬ 
ward from it. Santa Clara Hermitage is a gray building on the 
slope of the land forming the cape, and is a good landmark. Nearer 
the sea and below the hermitage is the place named Atalaya (watch 
tower) de Ondarroa. A breakwater extends about 160 yards off 
the point, a little to the southward of Santa Clara Cape. 

Ondarroa Inlet.—Southeastward of the point and trending 
southwestward is Ondarroa Inlet, about 600 yards wide and sur¬ 
rounded by a sandy beach, but the reefs at either point narrow the 
entrance. A breakwater is being constructed from the northern 
entrance point. 

Artibas or Ondarroa River flows from the westward into the 
southern part of the inlet. The bar inside the northern entrance 
point shifts, and breaks with a ground swell, but it is protected from 
the northwestward by the point and reef of Santa Clara, which 
enables it nearly always to be crossed at high water. 

There are from 12 to 13 feet water on the bar at high-water 
springs, and 1 to 2 feet at low water; but the channel is narrow, and 
within the bar almost the whole inlet dries at low-water springs. 
It is frequented by coasters drawing T to 9 feet, and those of the 
latter draft should enter at high water and in fine weather. 

One-half mile inside the bar is the pier or landing place, where 
coasters load and discharge, but they lie dry at low water, and the 


VIZCAYA. 


413 


pier is covered at high-water springs. Near the bridge vessels re¬ 
main afloat. 

hrom a wooden mast, painted bine, on the outer end of the break¬ 
water, is exhibited a fixed white light, elevated 55 feet above high 
water, and visible 11 miles. (See Light List.) 

A fixed green light of low power is shown 6 feet under the white 
light. 

A fixed red light, elevated 26 feet above high water and visible 2 
miles, is exhibited from a wooden mast on the outer end of the mole. 
(See Light List.) 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at Ondarroa Bar, at 
3h.; springs rise 11 feet and neaps about 8£ feet. 

Pilots.—There are no regular pilots, but one of the masters of the 
fishing boats will go off to a vessel if, when near the inlet, a flag is 
hoisted as a signal that entrance is desired. Strangers should not 
enter without such assistance. 

Ondarroa town stands on the western shore of the inlet and faces 
the south. Most of the inhabitants, 3,619 in number, are employed 
in the fisheries. Small vessels are built here. Two bridges connect 
it with the opposite shore. 

Vizcaya.—The coast of the Province of Vizcaya (Biscay) ex¬ 
tends between Santurraran Point on the east and the Sabiote or Onton 
Kiver on the west. This coast is bold, about 40 miles in length, 
without a port or shelter for large vessels, with the exception of 
Bilbao. The inlets and ports which it contains are fit only for small 
craft, which enter them at high water and in fine weather. The 
only place where temporary anchorage may be obtained by large 
vessels with west and southwest winds is in the bay on the eastern 
side of Cape Machichaco—a situation of great danger should the 
wind suddenly shift to the northwest and northward. 

The stormy northwesterly winds blow with great force on the 
coast of Vizcaya and the heavy sea prevents any mercantile opera¬ 
tions in its small ports. The coast is, however, clear of outlying 
dangers, and it may be approached to a prudent distance. In the 
interior the land is generally mountainous and broken, with the lofty 
and rugged crests of the Pyrenees, the remarkable peaks of Gorbea 
and Amboto rising 5,115 and 4,465 feet above the sea, respectively. 
The spurs of the chain, which descend in declivities to the coast, 
present a series of mountain peaks, many of which from the north¬ 
west appear in the form of perfect cones. The coast is rocky and 
barren, with cliffs and ravines. In places the sand is washed up by 
the force of the sea, forming coves which are only approachable in 
fine weather. 

Winds.—During summer, winds from northeast by north to 
east by north prevail on this coast alternately with those from north- 



414 


VIZCAYA. 


west by west to west by south. They generally fall in the evening, 
when they are succeeded by the land wind. In autumn southerly 
winds blow hard for two or three davs and at times for eight or nine 
days, but as soon as they haul to south by west the sky begins to 
cover with scud, southwesterly and westerly winds follow, and after 
some days veer to the northwestward with heavy squalls. This 
wind, which causes a heavy sea on the coast, continues for about a 
fortnight, being interrupted by two or three days of moderate 
weather. It may bring heavy rain, with intervals of fine weather, 
enabling mariners to make the land. 

Northerly and north-northeasterly winds completely obscure the 
coast by clouds and continual rain and hail; but they are not of long 
duration, and generally blow between the middle of December and 
the end of February or beginning of March. Some winters pass with 
only two or three hard northers, but in others they are frequent. 
Northeasterly winds are not common in winter, but sometimes they 
come with heavy clouds, when they blow strongly for two or three 
days, and are called nordeste pardo, or gray northeasters. On de¬ 
creasing they veer eastward; a vessel should then close the coast, as 
they are followed by southerly winds. But after two or three days of 
southerly winds, if it veers south westward, before long it will shift 
to the northwestward. In spring the winds are moderate, and nearly 
always from the southwestward to northwestward, accompanied by 
rain. In some vears these winds continue till July. 

The sea from the northwestward is very heavy. It rolls in on all 
this coast, and it is felt from the middle of September or beginning 
of October with slight interruption till near the end of May. It is 
nearly always the prelude of the wind causing it, which at times it 
precedes 24 hours. In winter, a heavy sea sometimes gets up during 
a calm, rolling in on the coast and closing the ports and estuaries. 

In August heavy squalls and sudden changes of wind, called galer- 
nas, are experienced. Those form over the land during the heat of 
the sun and rise in the southwestward, when the horizon becomes "ob¬ 
scure. By the time the wind reaches west the weather is thick. The 
wind soon veers to the northwestward and bursts violently, which a 
vessel should be prepared for. Its strength lasts generally three to 
four hours, accompanied with rain, after which it subsides, the 
weather clears, and at nightfall it is calm. At times, particularly in 
summer, the galerna shifts suddenly from southward to northwest¬ 
ward without any warning, and then blows with much force. These 
two winds frequently strive for the mastery, being separated by a belt 
of calm, and both curling up the sea on their borders. A vessel in 
this calm belt should be under easy sail. 

A southerly wind is foretold by the clearness of the atmosphere, in 
which the peaks of distant mountains are clearly seen, and remote 


SAUSATEN BAY. 


415 


objects appear as distinct as if only a short distance off. When the 
wind is easterly, or it is calm, and the high land appears clear, with 
the summits of the mountains well defined and grayish, southerly 
wind is near. 

Lightning is frequent at the beginning or termination of bad 
weather, and also during the gathering of the galerna. 

Currents.—In winter the current sets east-northeastward and 
north-northeastward, with greater strength offshore than near the 
land. On this coast caution should be observed with regard to the 
currents; their velocity appears to be variable, but in a westerly or 
northwesterly gale it may be estimated at 3 miles an hour. In sum¬ 
mer the current is scarcely perceptible, and sometimes it runs west- 
southwestward and west-northwestward. 

Directions.—Vessels not bound to Bilbao or eastward to any of 
the Spanish ports should keep well off the coast of Vizcaya, but those 
bound to any of the above ports should approach it as near as pru¬ 
dent. Many wrecks have occurred on the banks of Arcachon from 
vessels not having been navigated near and in sight of the Spanish 
coast. 

At a distance from the coast vessels experience the full strength of 
the gales, west-northwesterly gales losing much of their force near 
the land, and also the greatest velocity of the currents which set to¬ 
ward the coast of France. Not being able to ascertain his position, 
and when, according to his reckoning, the mariner believes himself 
clear of all danger, he finds himself in a dangerous bight and on a 
dead lee shore at the head of the Bay of Biscay. 

In winter, bound eastward to Bilboa, San Sebastian, keep along 
the coast from Santona to the port of destination. 

Sausaten Bay.—About 4.5 miles northwestward of Santa Clara 
Point is San Nicolas Islet, the coast between forming a bay named 
Sausaten, continuing moderately high, broken, and rocky, but clear 
and bold; 400 yards from it there are 18 to 23 fathoms, muddy 
sand, except between the point and that of Mococo, a short distance 
westward, where the bottom is rocky. In the bay are to be seen the 
villages of Endaidi, Baurdo, and Mendeja and two guardhouses. 

Anchorage.—West-northwesterly winds do not often cause much 
sea in Sausaten Bay, and in the opinion of the local pilots it affords 
good anchorage for large vessels with winds from southeast, through 
south, to west-northwest. The holding ground is good, the anchors 
sink in deep, and the best berth is about 600 yards northward of 
Mococo Point, or between the 2 guardhouses, about a mile from 
the shore, in 23 to 27 fathoms water. The only places approachable 
for small vessels are the coves of Endaidi, Eguiluz, Chantarreca, and 


416 


LEQUEITIO. 


Baurdo, and the loading places of Portuchiqui and Portuandi, but 
these places can only be used in fine weather. 

Mooring buoy.—A mooring buoy has been placed in about 12 
fathoms northward of Mococa Point. 

San Nicolas Islet is 1 miles in length north-northeast and south- 
southwest, 107 feet high, with the ruins of a battery on its summit. 
It is rocky on its northwestern and northern sides, and lies east of 
Lequeitio, and formed 2 entrances to that bay—one on the north¬ 
west, the other, about 200 yards wide, is nearly dry at low water, 
and an enrockment, which covers at high water, now joins the 
southern part of the islet to the western entrance point of Lequeitio 
River to prevent the sand brought down by the river being deposited 
in the bay. 

Lequeitio River flows northeastward into the bay between San 
Nicolas Islet and Bastarria Point. 

Lequeitio Port.—Between San Nicolas Islet and Amandarri 
Point, little more than 200 yards to the westward, and olf which a 
small reef extends, is the entrance to Lequeitio Bay. From the en¬ 
trance the bay recedes about 400 yards south west ward to a clean 
sandy shore, extending from the town to the mouth of Lequeitio 
River. The sands in the bay shift. Several small reefs lie in the 
center and eastern part of the bay, separated from the North Mole 
by a distance of about GO to 70 yards. 

Moles.—From the south part of the western entrance point the 
North Mole extends 120 vards southward, and with the South Mole 
extending north-northeastward from the town, forms the new port, 
leaving an entrance nearly 50 yards wide. It is frequented by 
coasters, but when there is much sea outside the swell is considerable. 
In moderate weather vessels lie in the bay, but if a sea gets up they 
must run into the port. 

Mooring buoy.—A mooring buoy is placed in about 8 fathoms 
off the entrance to the port. 

Depths.—The depth of water in the approach to the port is from 

1 to 1-| fathoms at low water. In the entrance of the port there are 

2 fathoms, but it decreases inside to 1J feet. 

Light .—On the outer end of the old and short mole, west side of 
entrance, a fixed green light is shown at an elevation of 33 feet above 
high water. A fixed white light is shown at the southern end of the 
North Mole. 

Lequeitio Town is situated around the port and bay and near the 
beach at the head of the bay is Uribarren Palace. 

Lequeitio has some trade and a customhouse; its population is 
3,944. Repairs can be executed to the vessels that frequent the port; 
there is a small shipbuilding yard and an iron foundry. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat and rocket apparatus are at Lequeitio. 


SANTA CATALINA. 


417 


Pilots.—There are no appointed pilots at the’port, but a seaman 
ol the place will board a yessel and pilot her in if a flag is hoisted as 
a signal that such aid is required. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at Lequeitio, at 3h. 
11m.; springs rise 10J feet, neaps 8 feet. The flood is scarcely per¬ 
ceptible. but the ebb is felt in the channel formed by San Nicolas 
Islet, and the surf at times is inconvenient. 

Monte Calvario , a conical lull 390 feet above the sea, a short 
distance southward of the town, is a good mark. 

Directions.—The center of Uribarren Palace in line with the end 
of the North Mole leads through the entrance up to the end of the 
mole, which round as closely as convenient to avoid the shoal water 
to the southwestward of it. 

[N ote.— In the extreme case of a vessel having to run ashore on 
this part of the coast, Lequeitio Beach may be chosen, being well 
adapted for saving the lives of the crew. The vessel should be 
beached as far westward as possible, and the soft nature of the sand 
will secure the safety of the hull, especially if grounded at or near 
high water.] 

Santa Catalina Point.—The coast from Amandarri Point for 
nearly a mile is bold, bending a little to the southwest, and then 
trending north-northwestward to Santa Catalina Point. This point 
projects north-northeastward from the slope of Alto de Lequeitio 
and terminates on all sides in cliffs about 140 feet high. The her¬ 
mitage and lighthouse on it render it very conspicuous. It is clear 
of danger. 

Light.—On the extremity of Santa Catalina Point, from a conical 
lighthouse painted light blue, 39 feet in height, a fixed red light 
visible 7 miles is exhibited, at an elevation of 148 feet above high 
water. The keeper’s house is joined to the lighthouse on the inland 
side. (See Light List.) 

Monte Otoyo or Alto de Lequeitio.—From Santa Catalina 
Point the land suddenly rises, and about a mile westward reaches 
1,297 feet above the sea, forming Monte Otoyo, generally named Alto 
de Lequeitio. It presents some remarkable features seaward, termi¬ 
nating in peaks so clear and distinct as to be easily recognized. 

Oguella Bay.—From Santa Catalina Point the coast for 2 miles 
westward forms Oguella Bay, which is tolerably deep, with a rocky 
shore terminating in Apical or Ea Point. There is but one place in 
the bav accessible to boats in summer, which embark Avood and tiles 

t/ 

produced by a neighboring factory. The bottom is rocky, irregular, 
and a heavy sea sets in. 

Apical or Ea Point, named also Cabo Montenegro, is salient and 
rocky, with a reef extending.200 yards from it. It separates Oguella 


418 


EA BAY. 


and Ea B ays, and as with much sea the breakers extend some dis¬ 
tance off, it should be given a wide berth. 

Ea Bay lies between Apical or Ea Point and Ermieha Point, 3 
miles westward. It is nearly everywhere rocky, and in the middle 
of it is a ravine which extends southward. It has a small sandy 
beach where Ea River runs into the sea. The mouth of this river 
dries at low water. It is dangerous and only accessible to fishing 
boats, which are sheltered by a mole inside the bar. The town of Ea 
is divided by the estuary of the river, into which a small stream falls. 
The population of the town is 1,444. 

There are numerous rocks in the vicinity of the entrance to the Ea. 
Callarriyaya Islet, the most conspicuous, is 4 mile eastward and a 
little offshore. It is steep and rocky, having within it a channel 
about 55 yards across suitable for boats. 

The coast from Apical Point to Cape Machichaco is high and 
broken by fissures and ravines, which terminate at the sea in cliffs, 
some of which are of a considerable height. The coast is generally 
rocky, although the rocks do not extend far off it. Ermieha or 
Nachitua Point is steep and surrounded by rocks, and on the heights 
above it is a village. 

Elanchove.—About 1.5 miles farther northwestward is Cabo 
Ogono, and on its eastern side some tableland extends to the sea, 
terminating in tolerably high cliffs, with a break in them. Here 
Elanchove Port is formed by two moles. It is only capable of shel¬ 
tering a few small vessels and dries at low water. An outer mole or 
breakwater has been constructed 150 yards in length. At high water, 
when there is much sea from the northwest, there is a heavy SAvell 
in it. Elanchove village is situated along the heights over the port, 
some of the houses being 460 feet above the sea. The inhabitants. 
1,199 in number, are chiefly seamen and fishermen. 

There is a mooring buoy here. The anchors, each of 2 tons weight, 
lie northeast by north and southwest bv south from each other. 

Light .—A fixed red and white light has been established at Elan¬ 
chove. The exact location is not stated. (See Light List.) 

Anchorage.—Eastward of Cabo Ogono there is good summer 
anchorage, with southwesterly and westerly winds, in 11 fathoms, 
sand, about 200 yards southeastward of Monte Ogono, with the 
church of Elanchove open. 

This anchorage is no near the shore, in order to obtain shelter, that 
it is difficult to get away from with an on-shore wind, and it should 
not be used by large sailing vessels. In anchoring with westerly 
winds care must be taken against the strong eddy winds which come 
down from Monte Ogono. 

Cabo Ogono.—The promontory of which this cape is the termi¬ 
nation is of a reddish color, nearly perpendicular on all sides, and 


MUNDACA RIVER. 


419 


rises to Monte Ogono, which has a watch tower on its summit 907 
feet above the sea. The cape is bold and may be approached to 6 
or 7 fathoms water. The steep islet of Arguesto lies about 100 yards 
southwestward of the promontory. 

Between Cape Ogono and Lara or Anzora Point, about 1 mile west¬ 
ward, is Anzora Bay and beach. A reef extends from Lara Point, 
which partly uncovers at low water. Oft the beach of the bay the 
bottom is sand with patches of rocks. Anzora village is seen on the 
slope of the land over the point. 

Izaro Islet, less than a mile northwestward of Lara Point, is 
about j mile in length, northwestward and southeastward, 130 yards 
wide, the eastern part being 140 feet high. It is rugged and sur¬ 
rounded by reefs, which extend off a considerable distance, and it 
should not be approached nearer than 1 mile. The islet is rocky on 
all sides, with some vegetation and the remains of a convent on its 
summit. The round islet Arriederra lies about 100 yards northeast¬ 
ward, leaving a boat channel between. 

Between the reefs off Izaro Islet and Uguerrey Point to the west¬ 
ward the passage is about 1.2 miles wide, and that between it and 
Santa Catalina de Mundaca is 0.6 mile wide. The depth in both 
channels varies from 5J to 13 fathoms, sand, and rock in places. 
When there is any sea it runs high in both channels and often breaks. 

Las Lobas, 2 rocks nearly united and uncovered at low water, lie 
between Izaro Islet and Lara Point. They may be passed on either 
side, but the channel between these rocks and the reefs off Izaro Islet 
is the better, being 1 mile wide, with a depth of 25 feet at low water. 
In using this channel, when Las Lobas Rocks are seen, pass about 30 
yards from them. A depth of If fathoms is charted between these 
rocks and Izaro Islet. 

The channel between Las Lobas Rocks and Lara Point is not so 
good and but little used, there being sunken dangers. It is 230 yards 
-cross and 16 feet deep. These channels should only be used with a 
smooth sea. 

Mundaca River runs into the sea, nearly J mile westward of Lara 
Point, between Santa Catalina de Mundaca Point on the west and 
the sandy point of Laida on the east. The former point is rugged 
and rocky; on it is a hermitage and the remains of a fort. 

Bar—Depth.—The navigable channel into Mundaca River is about 
14 yards w T ide, and 13 to 16 feet deep at low water. On the bar, 
which is under Santa Catalina Point, the depth decreases to 3 or 4 
feet. The river is choked with sand banks, which dry at low water; 
but at high tide there is a navigable channel along by the western 
shore for vessels of about 7 feet draft up to Arteaga, and for boats 
as far as Guernica, 2 towns in the interior. 


420 


UGUERREY POTNT. 


Mundaca—Harbor.—The town of Mundaca, which has a popula¬ 
tion of 1,918 inhabitants, stands on the western shore, about 300 
yards within the bar. It is visible from seaward, and its church is 
conspicuous. Here is a small pier harbor, which affords accommo¬ 
dation to a few coasters and fishing craft. With northerly winds a 
vessel may easily enter the river; but very generally, and especially 
in winter, the wind blows off the land. No stranger should enter 
without the aid of a pilot. There are no licensed pilots, but the 
fishermen will pilot a vessel. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at Mundaca Bar at 3h., 
and the rise is about 11 feet. The ebb stream has a velocity of 
not less than 3 knots an hour at springs. The sea at times breaks a 
great distance from the bar. 

Punta Lamiaren, about f mile west-northwestward of Santa 
Catalina Point at the entrance of Mundaca River, is high, rocky, 
and has rocks lying off it. About 300 yards westward of this point 
is the small Rosape Cove, into which flows Cruz River. The river 
is crossed near the sea by a stone bridge. Between the point and the 
cove shoal water extends 165 yards from the shore. 

Uguerrey Point, 1,100 yards northwestward of Punta Lamiaren, 
and Atalaya Point, close to the southward of it, terminate a plain 
extending eastward from the base of Monte Sollube. They are simi¬ 
lar in appearance and surrounded by reefs. Trompon Menor is the 
‘highest part of the land over Uguerrey Point, on which arc the 
ruins of a battery. Trompon Mayor is another small height farther 
west. 

Uguarrarri Rock, above water, lies 100 yards north-northeastward 
of Uguerrey Point. 

Atalaya Point has some trees on its summit, and two new build- 
ings on it. 

Dangers.—Leichuech Rock lies 100 yards eastward; Salvache 
Rock, which barelv uncovers at Ioav water, 250 yards east-southeast- 
ward and Boniach Rock, 350 yards southeastward of Atalaya Point, 
on the edge of a rocky reef which extends southward to the mole of 
Bermeo. These dangers are covered at night by a sector of red 
light from the mole. 

CJ 

Port Bermeo.—From Atalaya Point the cliffs continue southward 
as far as the mole of Bermeo, then turning westward and producing 
the cove named Arza or Puerto Mayor, the little port named Puerto 
Menor being inside the mole. Outside the mole there are some large 
rocks, dry at Ioav water, and which partly protect it from the sea. 

The Arza or Puerto Mayor is about 100 yards wide and 400 yards 
long. A large part dries at low water, but there are depths of 1J 
fathoms, sand and gravel, in the entrance, and 1£ fathoms off Puerto 
Menor. It is open to the east-northeast. 


MACHICHACO BAY. 


421 


Puerto Menor is a small harbor surrounded by a mole. The en¬ 
trance is open to the southward and is 55 feet wide. The port dries, 
at low water. The bottom is mud and gravel. 

Anchorage.—There is anchorage off Port Bermeo in about 12 
fathoms, with the mole light bearing 215°, distant 1,600 yards. 

Pilots.—There are no licensed pilots, but the seamen of the port 
have large boats, and are capable of taking pilotage charge. 

Lights.—A fixed red, green, and white light, visible 4 miles, is 
exhibited, 32 feet above high water, from a green cylindrical iron 
column, situated at the southeastern angle of the mole of Port 
Bermeo. It enables small craft to enter the port at night. A small 
fixed red light is shown from the wall of a house, toward the en¬ 
trance of the port. 

An occulting light, with white and red sectors, is temporarily ex¬ 
hibited from a window in a white one-story building with a fiat roof, 
on the south side of the entrance, situated between Punta Lamiaren 
and Bosape Cove. The light is elevated 110 feet above high water, 
and visible 9 miles the white and 6 miles the red light. 

Bermeo town has a population of 9,061. It is built on the south¬ 
ern slope of Atalaya Hill, and is not visible from the westward 
and northward, but it may be partly seen from the northeastward 
and eastward. The inhabitants are employed in agriculture, fishing, 
and preparing fish for exportation. 

Supplies.—Provisions are abundant and marine stores for small 
craft can be obtained.. Usually there is a stock of coal at the fac¬ 
tories, and small repairs can be executed. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, at 
Port Bermeo at 3h. 29m.; springs rise lOf feet. The ebb stream sets 
northward. 

Machichaco Bay lies between Uguerrey Point and Potorroach 
Point, about 2 miles northwestward. It is about \ mile deep, with 
good holding ground, and affords shelter from the southwest quarter 
mid partly from the northwest, but winds from other directions send 
in much sea, when vessels should leave. It is surrounded by rocks 
extending a short distance from the shore, which is generally cliffy. 
The only part of the bay which can be approached with a moderate 
sea is the little beach of Guibela or Arichachu, westward of Uguerrey 
Point, which is commanded by some high cliffs. 

The depths in the bay are from 11 to 14 fathoms, sand, but near the 
shore it is rocky. 

The anchorage is dangerous for a sailing vessel during winter, as 
it is difficult to obtain an offing with a fresh northerly or north¬ 
easterly wind. Vessels there must be ready to leave. The best berth 
is in 11 fathoms water, sand and mud, between Potorroach Point and 
the ruins of Fort Valdes, with Ariederra Islet (northeast of Izaro) 


422 


CAPE MACHICHACO. 


in line with the hermitage of Santa Catalina cle Lequeitio and Trom- 
pon Menor on with the trees of the Atalaya de Bermeo. In this 
position a vessel is only half a mile from the shore, in good holding 
ground. 

A red cylindrical mooring buoy is moored in 9 fathoms, 600 yards 
from the shore, to the southward of Cape Machichaco. Three 
smaller buoys are moored in a north and south line nearer the shore 
in depths of from 5 to 5J fathoms at low-water springs. 

Potorroach Point, 4 mile on the east side of Cape Machichaco. 
is rocky, with an islet near it scarcely separated from the shore. 

Cape Machichaco, 3.5 miles northwestward from Izaro Islet, ex¬ 
tends from high land and terminates northward in a salient point, 
the western extremity of which is of cliffs, while the eastern descends 
in a gentle slope to the sea. The cape is a continuation of a spur 
from Monte Sollube. which lies north and south, and from which 
rises a remarkable peak named Burgoa. When seen from the west¬ 
ward or eastward it will be known by its projecting northward and 
by a slight saddle-like formation before its termination at the sea. 

When on with the high land the cape is difficult to recognize from 
any distance, but the white lighthouse and building in connection is a 
sufficient mark. 

Two rocks above water lie a short distance from the cape, and a 
reef extends from it on which there is often a heavy sea. The cape 
should not be approached nearer than a mile. 

Light .—On table-land about 300 yards from Cape Machichaco 
a flashing white light, visible 27 miles, is exhibited at an elevation of 
400 feet above high water, from a white tower on a building, 67 feet 
in height. (See Light List.) 

Coa.st.—The coast from Cape Machichaco trends in a west by south 
direction for about 8 miles to Cape Villano. Aqueche Islet, about a 
mile westward of Cape Machichaco, is a high, round, steep, and bar¬ 
ren rock with a passage between it and the land, from which it is dis¬ 
tant about 400 yards, but this passage is only fit for small coasters, 
and dangerous even in fine weather; 1.5 miles west by south of the 
cape is Gastelugache or San Juan de la Pena Islet, high, rugged, and 
connected to the land by a bridge, and having the hermitage of San 
Juan on its summit, which is reached by an ascent of 372 steps. On 
the northern side of the islet are 2 rocks above water, and southeast¬ 
ward of it is a small rocky islet near the shore. The land behind 
Aqueche Islet is high and rugged. 

Baquio Bay, 2.2 miles westward of Gastelugache Islet, and open 
to the north, is surrounded by a sandy beach. Estepona Rivulet 
discharges into the bay after passing through the village of Basigo, 
which may be seen from seaward on the slope of the high land and 
in the middle of the bay. 


CAPE VILLANO. 


• 423 


About midway between Capes Machichaco and Villano, Monte 
Jata, or Alto de Plencia, rises about 2 miles inland and is the highest 
ground in this locality. 

Armenza Bay, 2 miles westward of Baquia Bay, is open to the 
north. It is rocky, but there is a channel available for boats in very 
fine weather. Armenza village is seen from seaward, in the middle 
of the bay. All this coast is exposed to northerly winds, and it should 
be given a berth of 2 or 3 miles. 

Cape Villano.—The large promontory projecting to the north¬ 
west, known as Cape Villano, has a lookout house on its summit 
912 feet above the sea. The cape is high and precipitous. Foul 
ground extends off it. Villano Islet, about ^ mile westward of Cape 
Villano, is small, low, rocky, and close to the land. A reef extends 
northward from the islet, and in bad weather the sea breaks nearly a 
mile outside it, when it should be given a berth of 2 miles. 

The land of the cape slopes to the west and terminates in Ormenza 
Point, which is low and foul, a reef extending seaward. Between 
this point and Gorliz Point, about 1 mile to the southward, are two 
sunken rocks, marked by the breakers, about 100 yards from the 
shore, and the same distance apart. 

Caution.—Between Villano Islet and Rabanal Point, 13.5 miles to 
the westward, the coast forms a bight nearly 4 miles deep, with 
Bilboa Bay in the middle of it, which recedes 3 miles to the south¬ 
east. This deep bight is dangerous with on-shore winds, for with 
much sea a sailing vessel would find difficulty in getting out of it. 
It is, therefore, prudent to avoid this bight, unless bound for Bilbao. 
A heavy sea sets in on the coast with strong winds from northeast 
to west, and, with the exception of Bilbao and Castor Urdiales, there 
is no harbor of refuge. Southerly winds acquire great force in this 
bight, and vessels, being unable to carry sail, are blown off the coast. 

The coast from Ormenza Point trends southward for 1 mile to 
Gorliz Point, the northern entrance point of the estuary of Plencia 
River. This point is moderately high and steep. On it are the ruins 
of a castle. Barrica Point, low and rocky, is the southern entrance 
point. 

Plencia River.—The estuary of this river extends to the bridge of 
the town, under which boats pass to the mills above. The entrance 
is between a large high rock or islet named San Valentin on the west, 
and the sands of Gorliz on the east. Northeastward of San Valentin 
Islet are the Arcotes Rocks, which, with one exception, are covered 
at high water. 

Bar—Depth.—The bar between San Valentin Islet and the Arcotes 
has a depth of about 10 feet over it at high water; but both the bar 
and river are nearly dry at low water, except a small pool near the 
bridge, which has a depth of 10 feet in it. The course of the river 
21235°—17 - 28 



424 


BILBAO. 


is about 20 miles. It is unfrequented, as the channel is narrow, the 
depth small, and the mouth is open to the northwest. 

The village of Plencia stands at the foot of a hill, on the eastern 
side of the estuary, more than \ mile up the river, and contains 1,537 
inhabitants. It is not seen from seaward, but the houses of Gorliz, 
on Gorliz Sands, are easily made out. Plencia is connected by rail¬ 
road with Bilbao. 

Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at Plencia River Bar at 
3h.; rise about 10§ feet. 

The coast from Barrica Point trends southwestward nearly 5 
miles to Galea Point, the eastern point of Bilbao Bay Entrance, and 
is bordered with rocks. It is moderately high and even, but precipi¬ 
tous, and, being of a whitish color, appears at a distance like a track 
of sand hill. It is open to the northwestward, and a wide berth 
should be given it. 

In the extreme case of a vessel in this vicinity from any accident 
being obliged to run ashore, Gorliz sands is a good place to save 
the crew. The extreme northern part should be selected, where the 
point forms an elbow and affords shelter from the northwestward. 
A small pier at the foot of a hill and at the extremity of the sand 
may serve as a guide, and it will be sufficient to beach 100 yards 
southward of it. 

Approach to Bilbao.—Galea Point, the eastern entrance point of 
Bilbao Bay, is high, very steep, wdth a ruined fort on the summit. 
A reef extends about 200 yards west-northwestward from it. 

Light—Galea Point. —From a red tower, about 25 feet high, with 
a white lantern, situated on Galea Point, a flashing white light visible 
22 miles, is exhibited, 241 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Fog signal. —An explosive signal is fired from a small white iron 
structure situated 200 yards eastward of the lighthouse and 170 feet 
above high water. 

Semaphore. —A semaphore and telegraph station is placed about 
600 yards south-southeastward of Galea Point Lighthouse. It is 328 
feet above the sea. Communication should be made by the interna¬ 
tional code of signals. It is connected with Bilbao, by telephone, and 
vessels can communicate with agents for orders, etc. 

Landmarks.— Bilbao Bay is easily recognized from the eastward 
by Capes Machichaco and Villano (remarkable by the islet near it), 
the lighthouse on Galea Point, and by the deep opening of the bay 
itself. From the westward it is known by Monte Santona, the town 
of Castro Urdiales, and the peaks of Montano, Lucero, and Serantes. 
Approaching from the northwest, Amboto Mountain, 4,465 feet above 
the sea, with its head inclining westward, is an excellent mark. On 
nearing the bay the white and reddish sands of Algorta and Guecho 
will be successively seen; the light tower and semaphore on the cliffs 


BILBAO. 


425 


of Galea; the town of Algorta; that of Portugalete, the church of 
which is visible at a great distance, and the buildings of Las Arenas; 
the breakwaters and their lighthouses; the Southwest Mole; the little 
white circular pilot tower and the lighthouse on its end are also 
conspicuous. 

Bilbao Bay runs southeastward about 3 miles into the land, be¬ 
tween Galea Point and Lucero Point, about 3 miles to the westward. 
From its entrance, where the depths are 14 to 16 fathoms, sand, 
the bay gradually narrows and shoals to its head, into which the 
Nervion River flows. 

Winds. —In the bay during the fine season there is a breeze from 
seaward almost every day and a land wind at night. In winter winds 
between west and northeast are strong and cause a heavy sea. Dur¬ 
ing winter northwesterly gales are frequent^ and are always accom¬ 
panied with rain; if also with lightning, severe weather may be ex¬ 
pected. Southerly winds prevail in spring and autumn and blow at 
times very hard. They are generally dry and warm, but in veering 
to the westward are accompanied with rain. Their approach is gen¬ 
erally indicated by a fall of 0.25 to 0.30 inch of the barometer. 

The eastern shore of the bay trends south-southeastward from 
Galea Point and continues steep, abrupt, and of*a light color for 
nearly 1.5 miles to San Ignacio Point, which is red, and has a battery 
on if. Reefs extend generally about 200 to 600 yards off this shore. 
Gueclio village is on the level land within the cliffs between Galea 
and San Ignacio Points. 

About 200 yards south-southeastward of the semaphore and on a 
high white cliff is Galea Castle, within which is the old lighthouse, a 
circular white tower, 39 feet in height, with a house around its base. 

Dangers. —A cluster of rocks, some of which are under water, 
extends northwestward 700 yards from San Ignacio Point, at the ex¬ 
tremity of which and 600 yards offshore is the Pena del Piloto, 
which rock has at low water the appearance of a boat. 

Algorta village. —About J mile southward of San Ignacio Point 
is Algorta village, with a small tidal pier harbor. The houses are 
scattered along the height and seen at a distance. Its population is 

5.436. 

/ 

Begona Point, low, rocky, and surrounded by reefs, is a little 
farther southward; thence a sea wall runs southeast about 500 yards, 
then south-southwest about 1,400 yards to the entrance of the 
Nervion. The eastern breakwater also starts from Begona Point. 

The western shore.—Lucero Point is high, barren, and bordered 
by rocks, which also skirt the western shore of the bay. About 800 
yards eastward of Lucero Point is Ceballos Point, whence the shore 
takes a southeasterly direction to the head of the bay. About a 
mile from Ceballos Point is Ciervana village, situated in a deep 


426 


BILBAO. 


valley on the shore of a small creek, used only by fishing boats. Near 
Ciervana, Monte Lucero ends, and the land begins immediately to 
rise again to Monte Serantes. 

Nogales is the name given to the valley between Mounts Lucero 
and Serantes, on account of its being covered with walnut trees. 
Northeastward of the valley, in 14 or 15 fathoms of water, is the 
anchorage called Nogales, which was used by vessels before the outer 
port of Bilbao was constructed. The best berth is in 14 to 15 fath¬ 
oms, sand, good holding ground, with Galea Point in line with 
Ormenza Point, and \ mile offshore. 

Monte Serantes, about 1.2 miles southeastward of Ciervana, is 
1.480 feet in height and of a conical form when on a southeasterly 
bearing. 

Santurce, a town with a population of 7,778 inhabitants, is 2.5 
miles southeastward of Ciervana, and within the artificial harbor of 
Bilbao, and on the cliffs of the coast between are 3 ruined batteries, 
at about equal distances apart, named Jibeles, Cuartas, and Campillo. 
At Santurce there is a small circular pier harbor, which dries at 
half ebb, and has a rocky bottom. There is a market where supplies 
may be obtained. Communication is maintained with Bilbao by 
electric tramwav. 

Telegraph cable.— The cable between Bilbao and England is laid 
in the bav as follows: From near and northward of the inner end of 
the Eastern Breakwater 1.7 miles 315° ; thence 500 yards 255° ; thence 
323° out of the bav. Mariners should be careful not to anchor in the 
vicinity of the cable, as they are responsible in case of damage to it 
from so doing. > 

Bilbao outer port. —By the construction of two breakwaters at the 
head of Bilbao Bay an artificial harbor has been formed capable of 
affording shelter to all classes of vessels. It is about 1,600 yards in 
length northwest and southeast from the breakwater to the 3-fathom 
curve at the head of the bay, and about J mile least width. The depth 
along the western breakwater is 8 fathoms at low water, springs, 
whence it gradually decreases toward the head of the bay, the depth 
of 5 fathoms being about 1,200 yards inside the breakwater, or half¬ 
way between it and the shore. The depth along the outer part of the 
eastern breakwater is 6 fathoms at low water, decreasing gradually 
toward the shore end. 

The entrance, between the outer ends of the 2 breakwaters, is in 
the northern angle of the port and faces northeastward, with a width 
of about \ mile and a depth of 7 fathoms at low water. The western 
part of the port near Santurce is stated to be beginning to silt up. 

Breakwater?. —From about 200 yards southeastward of Cuartas 
Point the western breakwater extends 900 yards 48° and then 550 
yards 61°. The eastern breakwater extends 1,200 yards 280° from 
Begonia Point. The breakwaters must not be too closely approached. 


BILBAO. 


427 


Lights. —Western Breakwater: From a gray stone tower, 39 feet 
high, on the outer end of the western breakwater, an occulting white 
light visible 9 miles, is exhibited, 64 feet above high water. See light 
list. 

Eastern breakwater: From a gray stone tower on the outer end of 
the eastern breakwater a fixed red light, visible 13 miles, is exhibited, 
64 feet above high water. See light list. 

Light buoy. —About 100 yards northeastward of the lighthouse at 
the outer extremity of the western breakwater, a white light buoy is 
moored, showing a fixed white light, which may be seen from a dis¬ 
tance of about 4 miles. This buoy is temporary until the remains of a 
wreck are removed. The light is unreliable, and the buoy may be 

washed away. 

«/ 

Pilots. —Pilotage is compulsory for merchant vessels when entering 
the outer port, but not when leaving it. 

Regulations. —The masters of vessels should obtain, through their 
agents, a copy of the port regulations, which are printed in several 
languages. 

Anchorage—Mooring buoys. —A number of mooring buoys are 
placed in the outer harbor, several of them in a line parallel with the 
western breakwater and about 250 yards from it, in 7 fathoms water. 
A vessel should secure to a buoy, if possible; but if anchoring, care 
is necessary in choosing a berth, which should be not less than 300 
yards from the western shore. Southward of the outer end of the 
eastern breakwater, toward the entrance of the river, the anchorage 
is indifferent, the bottom being of rock, with the ledges running in 
the same direction as the prevailing winds, and consequently not 
good holding ground. 

Health officer. —The health officer does not go to the outer harbor. 
Vessels not requiring him should send a boat with the bill of health 
and with a yellow flag at the bow to the mole at Portugalete, and 
should keep a yellow flag hoisted until the flag in the boat is lowered. 
Vessels without a clean bill of health hoist a red pennant below the 
3 ^ellow flag and await the visit of the health officer. 

Life saving.— Two lifeboats and life-saving apparatus are kept in 
the outer port; a boat is also kept at Santurce. 

Hew works.— A quay has been constructed on the western side of 
the outer port near Santurce. Its dimensions are 700 yards in length, 
197 yards in breadth, with a minimum depth alongside of 32j feet at 
low-water springs. Bonded and other warehouses will be erected on 
the quay, and a railroad line will connect it with the existing Bilbao- 
Portugalete Railroad, along an embankment nearly a mile in length, 
which is in course of construction, the retaining wall having been 
completed. 

Bilbao Bar—Depth. —The sand banks, which occupy the head of 
Bilbao Bay from Algorta to Santurce, shift and leave only a narrow 



428 


BILBAO. 


channel from the river eastward of the Southwest Mole, with a least 
depth in mid-channel of 16 feet at low-water springs. This forms 
the bar. 

Being protected by the breakwaters, the bar can now be crossed by 
vessels drawing less than 14 feet at all times and by vessels drawing 
up to 24J feet, according to the tide, this being the greatest draft that 
can enter the river at springs. 

Rio Nervion or Ibaizabal. —The entrance of the Rio Nervion is 
formed by the Southwest Mole, which extends about 1,600 yards from 
its outer end to Portugalete, a town 600 yards inside the entrance. A 
stony reef extends about 600 yards northwestward from the north¬ 
eastern entrance point. The mole continues on the left bank of the 
river from a little above Portugalete, with slight interruptions, to 
the town of Bilbao. The Northeast Mole, on the right bank of the 
river, continues from the sea to the upper bridge at Bilboa, a distance 
of 7.3 miles. 

Along both moles bollards are placed for securing vessels or for 
warping purposes. 

Inside the bar the channel passes between the moles and lias a 
width varying from 514 feet to 220 feet. 

Depths to Bilbao. —The least depth in mid-channel of the river 
before reaching Bilbao is 12 feet at low-water springs, as charted, 
and is found 400 yards above the mouth of the Cadagua River. 
About 300 yards below the lower bridge at Bilbao the depth is 10 
feet at low water. The least depth up to Desierto is 13 feet at low 
water. Vessels of 300 feet in length and 20 feet draft can go up the 
river to Bilbao, where most of the general cargo is discharged. 

Pilots. —The pilots of Bilbao have two small screw steamers in 
which they meet vessels bound to the port between Galea and Lucero 
Points. The funnels of the steamers are painted yellow, and on 
them a blue flag with a white P in the left part; a similar flag is 
hoisted at the masthead. It is compulsory for merchant vessels to 
take a pilot for the river. 

Vessels which stand inshore at night and wish to enter should 
signal for pilot by five long blasts on the whistle, or by burning a 
Bengal light. 

Pilots taking vessels out of the part are not allowed to leave them 
until past the light buoy at the end of the western breakwater, even 
though dismissed by the master. 

Pilots should be called for at least two hours before thej^ are 
wanted, and before sunset if required during the night. 

If a pilot is summoned and not required a fee is payable, accord¬ 
ing to tonnage. All vessels will pay once a fee for mooring service, 
varying according to tonnage. It is forbidden to use chains for 
mooring purposes. 

Harbor works. —Dredging is in progress in the river. 


BILBAO. 


429 


Tugs. —The assistance of a tug may always be obtained. 

Lights. —On the north end of the Southwest Mole, at the river 
entrance, from a yellow tower with dark horizontal bands a fixed 
green light visible 5 miles is exhibited 52 feet above high water. 
(See Light List.) 

Above the green light at the north end of the Southwest Mole a 
red light is shown up river for 2 hours before high water, indicating 
that the exit is clear and vessels may proceed out. For 2 hours after 
high water this red light is shown over the bay, indicating that vessels 
can enter. When the red light is extinguished all movements of 
entry or departure must be suspended. 

Channel lights. —There is a group of 4 lights near Portugalete 
Light tower to indicate the end of the mole, and at the end of Bene- 
dicta Mole and Plaza de Portugalete 2 groups of 2 lights marking the 
bend of the river. Between the end of the mole and Desierto An¬ 
chorage 25 electric lights are exhibited on the western side of the chan¬ 
nel from 2 hours before to 2 hours after high water at night. On the 
eastern side, abreast Desierto, 4 lights are charted. 

Signals for entrance to the river are made from the light tower at 
the northern end of the Southwest Mole at Portugalete and repeated 
at the quay mast as follows: 

A red flag with P in white signifies that the tide is ebbing and the 
entrance clear. 

A white flag with P in red indicates that the tide is flowing and that 
vessels may proceed outward. 

The maximum draft in meters of vessels that may cross the bar at 

the time is shown by means of 5 disks. 

These disks are displayed on a cross in the positions right arm, left 
arm, upper arm, lower arm, intersection, and have the following 

meanings: 


Righl 

arm. 

T eft 
arm. 

Upper 

arm. 

Tower 

arm. 

Inter¬ 

section. 

Draft of 
essels thai 
may cross 
the bar. 

0 

0 

X 

X 

0 

Ft. In. 

9 10 

X 

0 

X 

X 

0 

10 

8 

0 

X 

X 

X 

0 

11 

6 

X 

X 

X 

X 

0 

12 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

X 

' 13 

1 

X 

0 

0 

0 

X 

13 11 

0 

X 

0 

0 

X 

14 

9 

X 

X 

0 

0 

X 

15 

7 

0 

0 

X 

0 

X 

16 

5 

X 

0 

X 

0 

X 

17 

3 

0 

X 

X 

0 

X 

18 

1 

X 

X 

X 

0 

X 

18 10 

0 

0 

0 

'. X 

X 

19 

8 

X 

0 

0 

X 

X 

20 

6 

• 0 

X 

0 

X 

X 

21 

4 

X 

X 

0 

X 

X 

22 

2 

0 

0 

X 

X 

X 

23 

0 

X 

0 

X 

X 

X 

23 

9 

0 

X 

X 

X 

X 

24 

7 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

25 

5 


X indicates the presence of a disk in the position referred to. 
0 indicates the absence of a disk in the position referred to. 














430 


BILBAO. 


A blue flag hoisted at the harbor master’s office indicates that bad 
weather may be approaching and that moorings must be strength¬ 
ened ; also that small craft may not cross the bar without permission 
from the ayudante of Portugalete. If it is hoisted on the tower at % 
the seaward end of the mole and at the flagstaff of Portugalete it 
signifies that the entrance to the river is closed. 

Portugalete Anchorage is situated between the town and Axpe 
Basin. Vessels make fast here to mooring buo}^s to obtain pratique 
or to wait the rise of tide to go up the river. 

Buoys.—The buoys above the swing bridge are conical in shape, 
red on the starboard hand, with staff and square cage; black on the 
port hand, with staff and triangle. There are numerous mooring 
buoys in the river. 

Western side of river—Portugalete.—This town contains 5,182 
inhabitants, and is situated about 800 yards inside the river on its 
left bank. Its church is on a height and is visible from the bay. 
The river is crossed just below Portugalete by a bridge with a sus¬ 
pended carrier. The height of the bridge is 147 feet above the 
highest water. There is communication with Bilbao by railroad and 
electric tramway. 

Benedicta Mole begins abreast Portugalete. It is almost parallel 
to the Northeastern Mole, and is awash at high water springs, when 
the only parts of it seen are its northern extremity, which appears 
like a small round tower, and the lamps and bollards. 

Sestao Creek, nearly 800 yards above Portugalete, is now a small 
harbor formed by Benedicta Mole and the quays of the mineral rail¬ 
road of Galdames. Along the quays there are berths for 9 or 10 
vessels of moderate size, the bottom being mud. Sestao Village is 
on a height southward of the harbor. It has 230 inhabitants. The 
space southward of Benedicta Mole, other than the creek just men¬ 
tioned, dries from 1 to 6 feet at low water, and is named Play a de 
Sestao. A dock is projected here. 

Galindo Biver winds through a large flat and enters Bilbao River 
from the westward, 1 mile above Monte Axpe. Near its mouth it 
is crossed by a bridge of 3 arches. 

El Desierto.—At Desierto, on its northern side, there is a dock¬ 
yard,, the Astilleros del Nervion, where large Spanish men-of-war 
have been built. There is a pair of floating shears here capable of 
lifting 100 tons. 

Dock.—At Desierto there is a dry dock. (See Appendix II.) 

Southward of Galindo River entrance there is a large iron foun¬ 
dry. Vessels with coal, or those to load from the foundry, lie in a 
small basin constructed for the purpose, or on the northern side of 
the river entrance. 


BILBAO. 


431 


The western shore of the river in this vicinity is cultivated. The 
hills near and the high Torrontegui are covered with oak and chest¬ 
nut trees, but the opposite shore is barren and rugged. 

Cadagua River (also named Salcedon) flows from the soutli- 
southwestward into Bilbao River just opposite Monte Cabras. It is 
navigable for lighters as far as a railroad bridge about J mile in. 

Zorroza Quarantine Station is on the western shore about J 
mile above Monte Cabras. Vessels subject to quarantine anchor 
abreast the lazaret. 

Olabeaga, a suburb of Bilbao, begins 800 yards above the lazaret. 
It extends about 1,200 yards along both shores and has 880 inhab¬ 
itants. Vessels lie secured along the Southwest Mole, with their 
heads up the river, in a depth of 10 to 13 feet at low water. All 
kinds of stores and provisions can be procured at Olabeaga. Cov¬ 
ered lighters transport cargo from vessels to Bilbao, and vice versa, 
and there is good communication by land. 

Docks.—There are 2 dry docks at San Mames, above Olabeaga. 
(See Appendix II.) - 

Eastern side of river.—At the entrance of the Nervion River, 
on the eastern side, is the Barrio de las Arenas, a' resort much fre¬ 
quented in summer, but which in winter has few inhabitants. Elec¬ 
tric tramways connect it with Algorta and Bilbao, and a railroad to 
the latter place runs along the right bank of the river. The swing 
bridge previously mentioned connects the place with Portugalete. 

Udondo River flows from the northeastward into Bilbao River, 
about 1.1 miles above Portugalete, where it is crossed by a bridge, 
and it is used by lighters with stone and timber. 

Monte Axpe.—At the foot of the cliffs of this mount is the North¬ 
east Mole, which is here the road from Bilbao to Guecho. Darsena 
de Axpe, formed by the Northeast Mole and a mole southwestward 
of it, is about 800 yards in length, 200 yards in width, and has gen¬ 
eral depths of from 10 to 13 feet in it at low water. 

The shores at this part of the river are of moderate height and 
cultivated, but Monte Axpe is barren and steep. 

Asua River flows westward into the Bilbao River, 1,400 yards 
above the Galindo River. Lighters reach Asua at high water to 
load stone, timber, etc. 

Monte Cabras, about \ mile above Asua River, high, reddish, and 
barren, is a spur of Bandera Mount. Between it and Asua River the 
Northeast Mole skirts its cliffs. 

Bandera Mount is on the right bank of the river. On its summit 
there is a fort and signal station, which repeats the signals made at 
Portugalete by flags indicating the movements of vessels. The height 
of the mount is 730 feet. 


432 


BILBAO. 


On the right bank of the river opposite San Mames Docks are 
some shipbuilding yards. 

The river from Olabeaga turns eastward for about 1.2 miles, and 
then southward to Bilboa, where the depth of water decreases to 10 
feet at low water. 

Cranes. —On the moles of both banks near Bilbao are the follow¬ 
ing cranes for the purpose of working cargo: One 25-ton steam crane, 
also worked by hand; 8 movable 3-ton steam cranes; 6 fixed manual 
4-ton cranes; and 1 fixed manual 2-ton crane. . 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, on 
the bar of the Nervion, at 3 h.; springs rise 13 feet. At Olabeaga, at 
3 h. 15 m., springs rise 12 feet, and at Bilboa, at 3 h. 20 m., springs 
rise 9 feet. With fresh winds from southwest to northwest the tide 
rises nearly 2 feet higher at the bar and the time of high water is 
half an hour later; while the contrary effect takes place with strong 
winds from northeast to south, which should be taken into considera¬ 
tion. The stream of the ebb runs 3 knots at springs and 1J at neaps. 

Caution. —It is well to be particular in calculating exactly the 
time of high water on the bar of the Bio Nervion, if intending to 
enter, so as to be delayed in the outer port as short a time as possible. 

Directions. —The outer port of Bilbao is easy of access to 
steamers or to sailing vessels with a fair wind. Having entered 
Bilboa Bay, steer to round the eastern end of the Western Break¬ 
water at the distance of 200 yards, passing eastward of the white 
light buoy moored off it, and when within the port proceed to a buoy 
or anchor as convenient, or, if the tide suits, proceed into the river. 
A pilot must be employed. 

At night, steer to enter the narrow ray of fixed red light shown 
from the lighthouse on the end of the Eastern Breakwater, between 
the bearings of 155° and 153°, and proceed toward it keeping it in 
sight. When nearing the Western Breakwater pass eastward of the 
light buoy with fixed white light moored off it, and when the occult¬ 
ing white light on the Western Breakwater is abeam, alter course to 
enter the outer port, and anchor as convenient. 

It is not prudent in a large sailing vessel to enter the bay at night 
during bad weather without a pilot, and in such circumstances no 
vessel should enter the bay that is not of sufficient power to leave it, 
in the event of being unable to enter the port. 

To enter the river from the outer port steer toward the end of the 
Southwest Mole with Portugalete Church in line with the pilot’s 
tower, bearing 152°. Sailing vessels employ a tug both when enter¬ 
ing and leaving the river. 

Further directions are not given, as no vessel is permitted to enter 
or leave the river without the aid of a pilot. 


BILBAO. 


433 


It should be noticed that vessels, both steam and sailing, enter and 
sail with the night, as well as the day, tides in fine weather. At 
night they enter during the 2 hours after high water and sail during 
ilie 2 hours preceding high water. 

Regulations for entering the river. —On sighting the sema¬ 
phore on Galea Point, a vessel must show her national flag and num¬ 
ber, to which the semaphore will answer with a number, indicating 
the order in which she is to enter the harbor. The vessel must keep 
this number flying until within the port. As a general rule vessels 
have to anchor in the outer port, unless they arrive during the ebb, 
while there is sufficient water for them to cross the bar. 

Masters of vessels should make themselves acquainted with the 
regulations for entering or leaving the port, anchoring and mooring, 
taking in and discharging cargoes, quays, tugs, firearms, etc., which 
are strictly enforced, and any infringement of them renders the 
offender liable to be fined. 

Bilbao, the capital of the Province of Vizcaya, stands on a fertile 
plain on both banks of the Pio Nervion, about 2 miles above Olabeaga 
and 7.3 miles from its mouth. It is noted for the iron mines in its 
vicinity. The town is surrounded by hills on all sides, except toward 
the sea, and when viewed from any of these heights is exceedingly 
picturesque. The principal buildings are the cathedral, town hall, 
chamber of commerce, museum, theater, and hospital. 

New Bilboa, on the right bank, is connected with Old Bilbao, on 
the opposite bank, by 4 bridges, the lower of which is an iron 
swing bridge, opened at high water. The coasting trade is carried 
on between the 2 first bridges, which part of the river may be 
considered the port of Bilbao. 

Shipbuilding yards, warehouses, and manufactories of different 
kinds are found in Old Bilbao, and numerous iron and steel indus¬ 
tries, shipbuilding yards, and repairing shops along the Bio Nervion. 

The population of Bilbao in 1910 was 92,514. 

Shipping—Trade. —In 1912, 1,805 steam vessels, of 2,036,516 
tons, and 8 sailing vessels, of 5,874 tons, entered the port of Bilbao. 
The trade with South American ports is increasing. The chief 
exports are iron ore, pig iron, and wine, and the principal imports 
coal and coke, codfish, phosphates, grain, and timber. The United 
States is represented by a consular agent. 

Communication.— Bilbao is in railroad communication with the 
Spanish system, and there are local lines running on both banks of 
the river to Portugalete and Las Arenas, continuing thence to 
Plencia. There are also electric trams. 

There is steam communication to nearly all the ports of Europe, 
the United States, and coasting to all the Spanish ports. The fol- 


434 


BILBAO. 


lowing steamship lines call at Bilbao: The Hamburg-South American 
Co.; the Compania Transatlantica for Cuba, Mexico, and Cadiz; 
Pinillos, Izquierda & Co.; and the Anglo-Spanish Arrotegui Line 
for Cuba. There is considerable emigration traffic with Cuba, 
Mexico, and the Plata River. There is telegraphic communication 
and a direct cable to England. The telegraph office is always open. 

Quarantine.—The general Spanish quarantine regulations are in 
force, but a vessel arriving at Bilbao having to undergo more than 
3 days’ observation must proceed to the quarantine station at San¬ 
tander. A vessel in quarantine has to pay centimos per ton per 
day, and there are also charges for inspection, lazaret, etc. 

Hospital.—Seamen are admitted to the Bilbao town hospital at 
a fixed charge of about GO cents per diem. 

Coal.—About 13,750 tons of coal are in stock. All coal at Bilbao 
is stored in lighters for quicker supply to steamers and works along 
the river. There are no coal stores on shore. Labor is plentiful. 

Supplies.—Supplies and a limited quantity of marine stores can 
be obtained. Meat, bread, and vegetables are cheap. 

Water.—Drinking water is supplied from steam tanks at about 
70 cents a ton and water for boilers at about $4.50 a vessel. 

Repairs of every description can be undertaken by the Sociedad 
Anonima Astilleros del Nervion at Desierto. Repairs are also under¬ 
taken by the Compania Euskalduna de Consfcruccion y Reparacion de 
Buques. Fifty tons of iron can be melted and run at one time; 
cylinders of 120 inches diameter can be bored; boilers of 18 feet 
diameter and. 20 feet long can be made or repaired; shafts 76 feet 
long and 27 inches in diameter can be turned; pipes of any size can 
be brazed; boats can be built. 

Freshets.—In rainy winters the river sometimes overflows its 
banks and inundates part of the town, when vessels must be properly 
secured to the shore. These freshets usually cause changes in the 
banks and depths in the river. 

Monte Lucero, on the western side of Bilbao Bay entrance, ex¬ 
tends northwestward and southeastward, with a smooth slope to the 
sea. It is 0.91 feet high, and when seen from seaward resembles 
Montano Peak, westward of it. When in line with Monte Serantes 
Chico, which is of the same height, and about J mile south-southeast¬ 
ward, the two appear conical like one mountain. The coast at its 
foot is cliffy and broken until it joins the sands of Somorrostro, on 
the southwest. Its northwestern extremity is Lucero Point. 

Montano Peak rises 1,122 feet from the eastern shore of Somor¬ 
rostro River, and is remarkable for its perfectly conical form when 
on a southeasterly bearing. 

Somorrostro River.—From Lucero Point, the west point of 
Bilbao Bay entrance, the coast trends to the southwest and forms a 


SANTANDER. 435 

bay; and 1 mile from the point is the entrance to the Somorrostro 
River, the bar of which is dry at low water. 

The bar is reached after passing Muzquiz Point, the western 
entrance point, and near it is an islet joined to the shore by a mole 
00 yards in length. Muzquiz village and various houses are scattered 
along the western shore of the river. Between the mouth of the 
river and the western slope of Monte Lucero is Somorrostro Sand, 
which may be seen 15 miles off, and the hermitage of Nuestra Senora 
del Socorro, on the islet at the western side of the entrance, is also 
conspicuous. 

At high-water springs there are T to 8 feet over the bar, so that it 
can be crossed only in fine weather by vessels of light draft, which 
visit the inlet for iron ore, rich mines of which are worked in the 
neighborhood. In entering Somorrostro River keep under the west 
shore of the bay. 

Muzquiz Point, on the western side of the entrance to Somor¬ 
rostro River, is low and rocky, and the coast westward, for 2 miles 
to the town and small bay of Onton, is moderately high and bold, 
with elevated land in the interior. Onton Bay, being full of rocks, 
can not be used, even by small vessels. Onton River separates the 
Provinces of Vizcaya and Santander. 

Santander Province.—The coast of the Province of Santander 
extends from the Onton River, or Sabiote on the east, to the Deva 
River (Tina Mayor) on the west. It has a length of about 65 miles, 
is somewhat indented, but deficient of harbors capable of receiving 
large vessels. Santander, the most capacious, often presents great 
difficulties to sailing vessels in entering with gales from the north¬ 
west and southwest quarters, which so frequently happen during 
winter and spring. 

The higher parts of the Pyrenees are concealed from the view of 
the mariner when near the coast, but at a sufficient distance from it 
the remarkable peaks known generally by the name of Urrieles, 
about 12 miles inland, extending some distance eastward and west¬ 
ward and embracing parts of the Provinces of Oviedo, Santander, 
and Leon, are excellent marks for ascertaining a vessel's position 
when the state of the atmosphere admits their being seen. The 
highest of these elevations, and conspicuous from its pyramidal form, 
is that called Torre de Cerredo, which rises in the Province of Leon 
to a height of about 8,786 feet above the sea level. More remark¬ 
able, however, from its outline, is Naranjo de Bulnes, 8,340 feet above 
the sea. It has an isolated position, a figure like the portion of a 
column standing vertically in the midst of high mountains, and a 
barren and red appearance. The summits of the mountains are 
* covered with snow during a great part of the year, and they are 


436 


SANTANDER. 


well seen when running along the coast between Cape Penas and 
Cape Mayor, particularly between Rivadesella and Barquera. 

Winds. —The prevailing winds on the coast of the Province of 
Santander during winter are southerly, which veer to southwestward 
and northwestward. The southerly wind during its first days pre¬ 
serves a clear atmosphere, and is considered by navigators as the 
precursor of a northwesterly wind. It begins to be common during 
October and ends in February. Should it become cloudy, with rain, 
the wind veers southwestward and soon after to westward, and 
nearly always with dark cloudy weather, which terminates in a 
northwesterly gale and heavy rain squalls. When the wind is north¬ 
westerly it is clear between the squalls, enabling the mariner to 
recognize the land. 

Heavy gales generally begin from the southward by blowing hard, 
and the harder it blows the clearer is the weather. When the sky 
becomes entirely overcast the wind may be expected to haul to the 
northwestward with heavy showers. If the wind veers from north¬ 
westward to northward or north-northwestward it becomes verv severe, 
closes all the ports, and makes the land a dead lee shore. If a 
northerly gale, after lasting two or three days, backs to northwest, the 
gale will freshen up again. Should it veer to northeastward the 
Aveather moderates and some fine days follow; but should the wind 
veer to the eastward and southeastAvard it will continue on to south- 
Avard and bad weather will return. 

In autumn these -changes of the wind are generally attended Avith 
fine weather. The spring is nearly always a continuation of winter, 
during which the vendavales (westerly winds) predominate, if not 
with as much strength of Avind certainly with as much rain. In 
summer, considered as commencing in July, winds from the north¬ 
east quarter prevail, which on the coast become more from seaward 
during the day and from the land at night. 

Currents. —During winter the current generally sets eastward, 
caused by the prevailing south-southAvesterly and west-northwesterly 
winds, and in a northwest gale with a velocity of more than 3 miles 
an hour. A strong easterly current in fine weather is generally a 
prelude to a northwesterly gale; and a considerable rise of the water 
above the usual level in the ports is also a prelude to similar weather. 
In summer the current may set Avest and west-northwestward, but 
with little strength; and, as a general rule, there is a constant 
easterly current at some distance from the coast, especially off Cape 
Penas. 

Onton Point ? the Avestern limit of the bay of that name, is rocky, 
and from it the coast, Avhich trends west-northwestAvard, is ruffled 
and of moderate height, but high and mountainous in the interior. 


CASTRO URDIALES. 


437 


About a mile from Onton Point is Salta Caballo Point, high and 
rocky, and sheltered by this point is Tejilla Creek, where there is a 
loading place, by which iron ore from Setares mines is exported. 

Miono River entrance lies between Onton Point and Miono Point, 
about 1.5 miles to the northward. The river, called also Puerto 
Dicido, is only accessible at high water in fine weather to small craft, 
which frequent it to load iron ore. 

Miono Village, with 277 inhabitants, is on the coast immediately 
inside the river entrance. Miono Point is moderately high, steep, 
and bold. 

Cotolino Point.—About mile northwestward of Miono Point is 
Cotolino Point, low and rocky, forming the southeastern extremity 
of Castro Urdiales Bay. Both these points extend from the Cueto de 
Miono, a mount appearing of a conical form from the westward. 
Brazomar Bay, on the western side of Cotolino Point, extends south¬ 
ward for 600 yards. The bottom is of sand, dry at low water over 
the greater part of its extent. The Rio Brazomar flows through it to 
the sea. 

Castro Urdiales.—About 1,200 yards north-northwestward of 
Cotolino Point, and upon a rocky eminence of about 80 feet in height 
stands Santa Ana Castle, an ancient fortification, with 4 large 
circular towers, 1 at each angle. The castle is white toward the sea, 
and visible at a great distance. On the southeastern side of the 
castle is Santa Ana Rock, 62 feet high, steep on all sides except the 
western where it has some slope, and on its summit there was a her¬ 
mitage or chapel dedicated to Santa Ana, but now a watch house is 
there. Between this rock and the castle there are 2 others, one 
larger than the other, the whole connected by bridges to communi¬ 
cate with the watch house. Walls connect these rocks and are suf¬ 
ficiently above high water to impede the entrance of the swell. Close 
northwestward of the castle is the Atalaya, a perpendicular mass of 
rocks, about 68 feet high, and on which are the remains of a lookout 
house. About 200 yards to the northwest are several detached rocks 
and an islet close to the coast. 

Light.—On the southeastern tower of Santa Ana Castle, from a 
white conical light tower, is exhibited, at 148 feet above high water, 
an alternating fixed and flashing light. The white light is visible 9 
miles and the red flash 12 miles. (See Light List.) 

Castro Urdiales Bay is small, but owing to its breakwater it 
affords considerable shelter to shipping with winds from northeast, 
through west, to southeast; but when there is a heavy sea from the 
northwestward vessels in it lie very uneasily. The bottom is gener¬ 
ally rock, covered with a thin layer of sand, and the depth in the 
bay is from 3 to 6 fathoms at low water. Southerly winds in winter 


438 


CASTRO URDIALES. 


tire violent, and it is necessary to have good ground tackle to prevent 
driving on the breakwater. 

Under the shelter of Santa Ana Rock a loading place has been con¬ 
structed, called San Guillen, where the minerals from Aleu mines are 
shipped. There are some mooring buoys off it. 

Large vessels are here loaded with iron ore from loading piers or 
cantilevers, of which five have been erected. These offer great facili¬ 
ties, and each of the mining companies can load a vessel of about 
2,200 tons in less than 10 working hours. 

Breakwater. —The breakwater extending southeastward from 
Santa Ana Rock is now completed. When completed the entire 
length is about 1,595 feet, or about 450 feet shorter than w T as origi¬ 
nally intended. 

Another breakwater is being constructed. Starting from the south¬ 
western shore, 460 yards southeastward of Torrejon Point, it runs at 
right angles to the North Breakwater, and will be 328 yards long. 
Its proposed end is marked by a light buoy in 24 feet of water, 
exhibiting a flashing red light. When complete the entrance to the 
port will be 317 yards wide. 

Light .— A light, elevated 39 feet, is exhibited from an iron davit 
on the outer end of the North Breakwater. (See Light List.) 

Port.— Castro Urdiales Port is formed by two moles, with the 
mouth, 43 feet wide, open to the southward; but a heavy swell runs 
into it with a northwesterly or northerly sea, and causes much dam¬ 
age to small craft. The bottom is rock, with a slight layer of sand 
and mud. and at low-water springs the whole port is nearly dry, 
excepting near the mouth, where there are 5 to 8 feet. It is accessible 
to vessels of about 500 tons of light draft, and has sufficient room 
for 130 fishing boats and 15 to 20 coasters, which are secured in tiers. 

Pilots. —There are 4 pilots at Castro Urdiales, who board vessels 
1 mile seaward of Santa Ana Castle. The pilot boats fly flag S. of 
the international code. Pilotage is compulsory for merchant vessels, 
entering only. 

Directions. —From the westward, with winds from that quarter, 
pass Rabanal Point at a convenient distance, then continue on for the 
castle and Santa Ana Rock, which are steep-to. Leave the break¬ 
water on the starboard hand and round it. Anchor southward of 
Santa Ana Rock, not opening the ends of the moles forming the port, 
or farther in, if a small craft. The bay should not be frequented by 
sailing v essels unable to enter the port. 

The town of Castro Urdiales, which has a population of about 
14,191 inhabitants, is an important fishing town. It is surrounded 
by walls, faces the port, and extends north and south, so that seen 
from the east it presents a pleasing and imposing appearance. A 
railroad places Castro Urdiales in direct communication with San- 


CASTRO URDIALES. 


439 


tander and Bilbao. The town is conspicuous from a distance, par¬ 
ticularly the church, which stands on elevated ground a little west of 
the castle and lighthouse. From a greater distance than the town 
can be seen Cerredo Peak, about 2 miles westward of the town, a 
good mark. The numerous rocks which surround the bay are de¬ 
tached from the mainland. 

Supplies.—No supplies can be obtained. Water can be taken 
from the pipes in the town. 

Trade.—The amount of iron ore shipped at Castro Urdiales in 
1908 was 516,852 tons. Sardines and other tinned fish were exported 
• to the value of $28,000. In 1911, 195 vessels entered for the purpose 
of shipping ore. The imports are coal and timber. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at Castro Urdiales, at 
3 h.; springs rise 12 feet. 

Life saving.—There is a rocket apparatus at the port, also a 
station for the relief of shipwrecked people. 

Castro Verde Bank, 9 miles 11° from Kabanal Point, is small, 
with 25 to 37 fathoms water over it. There is usually a consider¬ 
able sea on the bank, which sometimes breaks. Between the point 
and bank the depths are from 41 to 73 fathoms. In bad weather pass 
well outside or well inside this bank. 

The coast between Castro Urdiales and Santona, 8 miles westward, 
is low and generally clear of danger. The land in the interior is 
high and mountainous. Babanal Point is low, rocky, and foul, and 
a berth of over 1 mile should be given to it in heavy weather, as the 
bottom is irregular for some distance off the point, and the sea some¬ 
times breaks. Between it and Castro Urdiales is Urdiales Bay about 
600 yards deep, open to the northeast. Urdiales Village is near its 
northwestern corner. About 600 yards west-northwestward of 
Rabanal Point is Lastra Point, a high cliff. 

The coast between Lastra Point and Islares Point, about 3 miles to 
the westward, is low, with slight bends, and appears in large whitish 
patches of slate rock. Cerdigo Islet is a low, dark rock dose to the 
point of the same name, between Lastra and Islares Points. It is 
connected to the mainland by a reef. A heavy sea wadies over the 
islet. Islares Point is low and rocky; it forms the eastern sides of 
Orinon Bay and Beach. .Islares Village is near the point. 

Monte Cerredo extends eastward to the town of Castro Urdiales, 
and is rugged and broken to the westward. Its northern side slopes 
gradually and terminates in low land. Toward the western side of 
the mountain, southeastward of Islares and f mile from the sea, 
Cerredo Peak reaches an elevation of 2,106 feet above the sea, and on 
it there is a landmark. 

A similar high mountain, visible only from a distance seaward, 
rises inland 5.7 miles soutliwestward of Cerredo Peak. There is a 
21235°—17-29 



440 


ORINON. • 


very conspicuous hummock on its summit, named El Castro, crowned 
by the chapel of Nuestra Senora de las Nieves. The mount is the 
most elevated in Guriezo Valley, and is a good mark. 

Orinon Bay and River. —Orinon Bay, between Islares and Sona- 
bia Points, is surrounded by a beach, the sands of which extend 
some way up the eastern slope of Monte Candina. The bay is clear, 
but of little depth. Near the center of Orinon Bay is the mouth of 
Orinon River, which flows northward from Guriezo Valley and is 
joined by the Aguera River. Small coasting vessels enter the river, 
with iron ore for the foundries in some of the villages of the valley. 
The river winds along on the eastern side of Monte Candina. It 
has a shifting bar, which at low water is nearly dry. Orinon Village, 
which has 178 inhabitants, stands on a sandy plain on the western 
shore of the bay. 

At a distance seaward Orinon Bay may be recognized by the great 
ravine which the land forms between Mounts Cerredo and Candina. 

Sonabia or Orinon Point, a narrow, low arm of land, projects 
northeastward from the western side of Orinon Bay, its extremity 
being about J mile northward of Islares Point. A ridge rises from 
its middle, and it is connected to the main by a narrow low neck, 
which is partly covered at high water and entirely when there is a 
high sea. From a distance this tongue of land appears like an island 
well detached from the coast. Its extremity is rocky, and with any 
sea it should not be approached nearer than ■§ mile. 

Monte Candina rises on the coast from the inner part of the 
neck of land forming Sonabia Point to about 1,370 feet above the sea 
and is remarkable from the white patches which are conspicuous in 
the midst of the dark woody land. The mountain is of calcareous 
rock, which appears occasionally, and terminates in peaks. 

Coast. —Between the inner part of Sonabia Point and Ahorcado, 
a high, steep, and rugged headland, about 3 miles to the westward, 
there is an islet close to the coast, leaving a passage for boats. Sev¬ 
eral other rocks lie close to the coast between Ahorcado and Laredo. 
On the eastern side of Ahorcado Headland is the little bay of Yesera, 
where in fine weather small vessels load with gypsum from the pits 
in the neighborhood. 

Laredo Bluff. —The coast from Ahorcado Headland is steep and 
clear for 2 miles westward to Laredo Bluff, which is a rocky and 
salient head, forming a peninsula with a cove both on its eastern and 
western sides. The point is surrounded by rocks, and Rastrillar Bat¬ 
tery stands on the cliffs. 

On its west side is the walled town of Laredo, whose inhabitants, 
5,097 in number, are chiefly employed in the fisheries. The mole on 
the eastern side, with the rocks, forms some shelter. The mole on 
the western side is choked with sand, and the boats have to be beached. 


SANTONA. 


441 


1 rom Laredo Bluff, west-northwestward to Pasage Point, a distance 
of about 2 miles, are the Laredo or Salue Sands, which form the shore 
of a bay. 

Light.—On dark nights a fixed white light, 37 feet above high 
water, and visible 4 miles, is exhibited from an iron column on the 
mole on the eastern side of the bluff when the fishermen are out. 

Life saving.—There is a lifeboat and life-saving apparatus at 
Laredo. 

Pasage Point is the northern extremity of the Laredo Sands, and 
of the right bank of Colindres Channel. It is within 600 yards from 
Santona Beach. On the point are the ruins of a castle, one of the 
marks for entering Port Santona, but not conspicuous. 

Monte Santona.—Monte Santona, the southern part of which is 
about 1.5 miles northwestward of Laredo Bluff, is of an irregular 
form, about 5 miles around, and nearly isolated, being connected to 
Monte Brusco on the west by the sandy plain or isthmus of Berria. 
It is formed of calcareous rock, broken toward the sea, and thinly 
covered with fertile soil. It lias several peaks, the highest rising 
1.32*2 feet above the sea. The conical peak of Nespral is 1,090 feet 
high, and on its summit is the lookout tower, which is circular. The 
mount at a distance appears like an island, with white and reddish 
cliffs, and white rocky land near its summit, which contrasts well 
with the dark wood beyond it. In heavy weather the sea passes over 
the isthmus and dike which joins it to the mainland, and unites with 
the surrounding lagoons. 

Monte Candina, which rises on the coast southeastward, must not 
be mistaken for Monte Santona; but the former has not so many 
peaks and no lookout tower. On nearing Monte Santona from the 
westward Mazo Fort, on a height of 715 feet above the sea; Fort 
Napoleon, 800 yards southwestward from Aguila or Atalaya Point, 
the steep northern point of the mount with a battery near it; and 
Dueso village, on the northwestern slope of the mount, are conspic¬ 
uous. 

Pescador Point, the northeastern extremity, is lower than Aguila; 
both are steep-to. Caballo Point, the eastern extremity of the mount, 
has high cliffs behind it, on which is the battery of St. Philip. 

Fraile Point, 800 yards southward of Caballo Point, is a vertical 
rock, 138 feet in height, and partly detached from the mount. Me- 
rana Shoal lies 100 yards off the point. It is small, nearly awash at 
low water, and is generally marked by breakers. There are 7 fath¬ 
oms water outside it. Redonda Rock lies about 400 yards south- 
westward of Fraile Point and near the shore, and J mile farther on 
is St. Carlos Point, a steep cliff', on which is a castle. Between Re- 
clonda Rock and St. Carlos Point a bank, with 4 to 10 feet of water 


442 


SANTONA. 


f 

over it, extends 400 yards to the southeast and joins the bar. From 
the eastward Monte Santona appears somewhat open and isolated. 

Lights—Pescador Point.—On the northeastern extremity of 
Monte Santona a fixed and flashing white light is exhibited, at an 
elevation of 126 feet above high water, from a conical white light¬ 
house, 43 feet in height. The fixed light is visible 13 miles and the 
flash is visible IT miles. (See Light List.) 

Caballo Point.—On the eastern extremity of Monte Santona, and 
1,600 yards southward of Pescador Point, from a blue conical tower, 
20 feet in height, a fixed red light, visible 6 miles is exhibited, 85 feet 
above high water. 

Santona Inlet—Depths.—The entrance to this inlet is formed 
between Monte Santona on the north and Pasage Point and Pitorro 
Bank (which extends from the Laredo sands) on the south. The 
inlet is divided into various channels, the principal being that of 
Colindres, on the south, immediately inside Pasage Point. This 
channel trends southward for 2.5 miles, when it joins the little stream 
called Rada. It is navigable as far as the town of Colindres, about 

2.2 miles up, and carries 1J to 2f fathoms at low water. 

A quay has been constructed abreast Treto, where vessels lie along¬ 
side in a depth of T feet at low water, mud, and shells. A railroad 
station is near the quay. 

About 2.5 miles within Colindres Channel is Limpias Channel, 
which runs southeastward over 2 miles to the town of that name, 
which has a population of 1,313 inhabitants, when it treads south¬ 
ward to the villages of Marron and Ampuero, where it receives the 
Marron, a small stream in summer, but swollen by the freshets in 
winter. 

Limpias, with 1,313 inhabitants, is the most important town of the 
inlet, commercially considered, from its communication with Castile. 
Vessels of 11 to 13 feet draft load here with grain and flour. Those 
above 13 feet draft complete their cargoes lower down, abreast the 
town of Treto. 

Monte Alio, 574 feet high, about 1.5 miles westward of Santona, 
on the north bank of Ano Channel, and isolated by a small channel 
or dike which surrounds it, is of conical form and covered with a 
thick wood. The convent of San Francisco stands at the foot of the 
mount on its east-southeastern side and is conspicuous from seaward, 
being the only building in the vicinity. 

Santona Par. Pitorro Bank, with a depth of 3 to 10 feet over it 
at lov water, extends from Pasage Point in an easterly direction for 

1.2 miles, when its edge trends southward and gradually curves to¬ 
ward Laredo. This bank and that extending from the shore of 
Monte Santona, eastward of St. Carlos Point, form the entrance to 
the inlet, the two banks being connected by the bar. The bar, or the 


SANTONA. 


443 


shoalest part of the entrance, is about 300 yards across, with 1} 
fathoms over it at low-water springs. After crossing the bar the 
depth increases from 3 to 7 and 8 fathoms at the anchorage. 

A wreck is charted about J mile southeastward of St. Carlos Point. 
Its position is doubtful. 

Port Santona—Anchorage.—Port Santona affords shelter and 
safety; the best anchorage is in 6 or 7 fathoms, sand and good hold¬ 
ing ground, off a battery partly covered with trees on the beach south 
of the town. A wooden pier has been constructed where vessels can 
load and discharge and a mooring pile placed westward of the pier, 
to which they secure. 

The breadth of the navigable channel is between 200 and 400 
yards, and depth from the bar westward to Ano Channel is from 34 
to 8 fathoms. Ano Channel continues westward to the towns of 
'arcena and Escalante, but with little depth at low water. 

Harbor.—The small harbor of Santona has a very narrow en¬ 
trance open to the south-southeastward. On the end of its western 
wall a small fixed red light, and on the eastern a similar green light, 
are exhibited. It can be entered by vessels drawing 12 to 13 feet of 
water. The aid of a pilot is necessary. Vessels inside are placed 
alongside quays, where they ground on a bottom of mud and sand. 

Buoys.—Southern side: A buoy with a staff and ball is moored on 
ihe southern side of the bar, and 2 red buoys are also moored on the 
southern side of the channel, the inner one being just north of Pasage 
Point. 

Northern side: There is also a red buoy on the northern side of the 
channel and on the southeastern edge of the bank extending from 
Monte Santona, 600 yards northwestward from the outer buoy, just 
within the bar. The positions of these buoys can not be depended 
on, as they frequently drift and sometimes break away from their 
moorings. The buoys should be given a prudent berth, as their 
anchors do not get buried in the ground. 

Pilots.—There are 3 pilots at Santona, one of whom boards a 
vessel on her nearing the port. In bad weather, when they can not 
go out, they direct vessels by signals from a boat within the bar. 
Vessels over 50 tons are charged pilotage. 

Outer anchorages.—There is anchorage off Fraile Point, which 
is good with southwesterly to northwesterly winds, but vessels ride 
uneasily if there is much swell. Caballo Point may be passed at the 
distance of 400 yards. Anchor about 300 yards 30° of Fraile Point, 
in 7J or 8 fathoms at low water, sand, clear of Merana Shoal, which 
is near the shore. 

There is also anchorage, but not so good, and with less water, in 
about 4 fathoms, about J mile southward of Fraile Point, with that 
point and Caballo Point in line. 


444 


SANTO N A. 


Vessels at these anchorages may be towed into the inlet. They 
should be ready to slip or get underway, either for the inlet of to 
stand eastward, if the wind suddenly shifts northeastward. 

Directions.—Santona Inlet, being open to the eastward, can not 
be entered by a sailing vessel during west-northwesterly winds, 
which are the most stormy on this coast and blow down over Monte 
Santona in heavy squalls. The most favorable winds for entering the 
inlet are from north-northeastward through east to southwestward. 
With moderate winds from other directions a vessel can work in, or 
back and fill, with the flood. With north-northwesterly or west- 
northwesterly winds a vessel may run down as far as Fraile Point, 
when it will be necessary to be towed, as the wind draws ahead. 

With a fair wind or under steam bring St. Carlos Castle (the 
southernmost fortification on Monte Santona) in line with Monte 
Ano, until Fraile Point comes in line with Caballo Point, bearing 1° ; 
then steer 220°, which will take a vessel over the bar in 1J fathoms 
at low water spring tides, until the convent under Monte Ano is in 
line with the ruins (a wall) of the castle on Pasage Point, then steer 
for the battery westward of the barracks until abreast St. Carlos 
Castle, when follow the channel and anchor off the battery above 
mentioned in 6 or T fathoms water about 250 yards from the shore 
at Santona, with the battery bearing 334° and the convent under 
Monte Ano bearing 252°. 

If the buoys are in position the buoy marking the bank off St. 
Carlos Point is left on the starboard hand, and the other buoys on 
the port hand, entering. 

In the port the worst winds are those between southward and 
westward, which blow strong, when it may be necessary to drop 
another anchor. Southerly winds blow with great force down the 
Colindres Channel and cause much sea. In winter vessels should 
anchor near the Ano Channel. Vessels bound to Limpias anchor at 
Santona to deliver papers. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, in 
Santona Inlet at 3h.; springs rise 12£ feet, neaps 10J feet. The 
ebb stream is always much stronger than the flood and runs about 
3 knots an hour at springs. After much rain and the Marron River 
is in flood the ebb acquires considerable strength, and the stream of 
Colindres Channel disturbs the beach of Santona. Vessels of light 
draft should then anchor westward, clear of the mouth of the above 
channel. 

The ebb stream from the mouth of the inlet sets southeast over the 
Pitorro Bank and toward Laredo. The flood stream sets strong on 
Pasage Point and into Colindres Channel. 

Santona.—The town of Santona is entirely military, with neither 
commerce nor industry, and stands at the foot of the mount of the 


SANTONA. 


445 


same name on a level sandy plain surrounded by trees and gardens, 
with marshes to the northward of it and creeks on the west. It is a 
fortified place, and the military governor of the province resides 
here. There is a court of justice. Its population is 4,339. 

Tugs.—At Santona there are 2 steamers of about 40 tons, which 
tow vessels in an out of the port when the weather permits. 

Supplies.—There are 2 firms which sell native coal, probably 
in small quantity. Provisions and water may be obtained, but there 
are no facilities for repairs. 

Berria Sands.—Between Monte Santona and Brusco Point, 1 
mile westward, is Berria Isthmus, a low, fiat, sandy plain. The 
beach is clean, but near Brusco rocks appear at low water. A road 
passes over the sand. 

Monte Brusco, rising at the southeastern end of Noja Bay, is 
dark from being covered with wood. It terminates at the sea on its 
east side in the point of the same name. Fort Brusco, 876 feet above 
the sea, lies J mile south-southwestward of the point. The point is 
rocky and foul, and near it end the reefs which skirt Noja Bay. 

Doble Bank, called by the Santona fishermen Ganzanilla, lies 
about 2.5 miles north-northwestward of Aguila Point, nearly 2 miles 
off the land, and it is dangerous in a heavy sea. There are 10 
fathoms of water over it, 26 and 27 fathoms close northward, and 
between it and Monte Santona 16 fathoms. In a west-northwesterly 
gale pass northward of this bank, as there is not only a heavy sea in 
its vicinity and between it and the land, but at times it breaks. The 
Spanish sailing directions state that there is a depth of 5£ fathoms 
on this bank. 

Noja Bay lies between Brusco Point and Garfanta Point, nearly 
2.5 miles west-northwestward of it. Its shore is low and rugged, 
with a level beach scattered with rocks, which at low water show 
above the sand. These rocks extend \ mile off, and the water is 
shallow outside them. With any sea breakers extend a considerable 
distance offshore. 

Noja town, whose church is conspicuous from seaward, lies south¬ 
ward of Garfanta Point and in the middle of a plain not far inland. 
It has 700 inhabitants. 

Garfanta Point, commonly called Mesa de Noja, is level, rocky, 
with a bare summit, and terminates in rocky points and reefs which 
extend at least J mile seaward. 

Isla Bay lies between Garfanta Point and Cape Quejo, 1.5 miles 
west-northwestward. Its shore is low, broken, with a rocky beach 
in places. Near the middle of the bay and close to the shore are 
some isloated rocks. The largest is named Isla, on which there is a 
hermitage, and a short distance outside is an islet. Isla village is 


446 


SANTANDER. 


southward of Cape Quejo, not far inland, in fhe midst of trees and 
cultivation. It is reached by boats at high water, being on a small 
river. Its population is 633. 

Cape Quejo is rocky, steep, of moderate height and red color. 
It terminates in broken dill's and on its summit is an old watch 
tower. Between Cape Quejo and Cape Ajo, 3 miles westward, the 
coast is low, rocky, and barren. Nearly a mile southeast of Cape Ajo 
is the mouth of Ajo Inlet, a narrow arm of the sea, admitting boats 
at high water as far as Ajo village, which has 662 inhabitants and is 
situated on a plain southward of the cape J mile from the sea. 

Cape Ajo is the most salient point of all this coast. It presents 
cliffs to the northward which appear as steps when on easterly or 
westerly bearings. It is clear of danger and may be approached to 
a prudent distance.- 

El Castro Bank.—About 4 miles 359° from Cape Ajo is El 
Castro Bank with 18 fathoms water over it. This shoal breaks in 
gales. 

The coast between Capes Ajo and Quintres, 2 miles south westward, 
is bold, Cape Quintres being high and level, and the ruins of a look¬ 
out house are on its summit, and on its southwestern side are the 
ruins of a tower. From the westward and northeastward the cape 
appears perpendicular. 

Between Cape Quintres and Galizano River, 1.2 miles south-south- 
westward, the coast is formed of cliffs of little elevation, but in the 
interior the land is high and mountainous. 

Galizano River falls into the sea at the eastern part of Galizano 
sand after passing near Galizano village. It flows north-northwest¬ 
ward, and boats can only cross the bar at high water in fine weather. 

Cape Galizano, situated If miles southwestward of Cape Quintres, 
is formed of cliffs terminating in steps, and may also be recognized 
by a small sharp-pointed remarkable peak known as Galizano Peak. 
Eastward of the cape is the sand of Galizano, where fishing vessels 
find shelter from south-southwesterly and west-westerly winds. 
About f mile westward of the cape is the rocky Cape Langre, and 
about a mile farther on Santa Marina Island, on the eastern side of 
the entrance to Santander. 

Approach to Port Santander.—Port Santander is the best har¬ 
bor on the north coast of Spain eastward of Cape Ortegal and of 
great importance on account of its trade and capacity. 

The entrance to the port is between Santa Marina Island and Cabo 
Mayor, 2.5 miles to the west-northwestward. The inlet trends south- 
westward over 5 miles. It contains extensive sand flats, which dry at 
low water and are intersected by numerous channels. At high tide 
the inlet shows a large area of water. 


SANTANDER. 


447 


Depths.—The least water that must be passed over by a vessel in 
order to reach the piers in Port Santander is 3J fathoms at low-water 
springs, 4f fathoms at high-water neaps, and 54 fathoms (32 feet) at 
high-water springs. It is found abreast Molnedo Basin. The draft 
of the deepest ship that has entered the port is 26 feet. 

The least water found in approaching the dry dock at San Martin 
Point is 4J fathoms south-southeastward of Promontorio Point. 

Landmarks.—The land in the vicinity of the port may be recog¬ 
nized by the white lighthouses on Cabo Mayor and Mouro Islet; the 
semaphore westward of Cabo Mayor; a watch tower, painted yellow, 
about 310 feet above the sea, on a ridge northward of the town of 
Santander; Monte Cabarga (1,750 feet), situated southward from 
Cabo Mayor Lighthouse; Cavada Peak, or Cudio of the Pilots, a 
little eastward of Cabarga, is a conical hill 81G feet high and is easily 
known by its peculiar form and by the woods upon it, which give it 
a dark appearance; Pena Castillo, a hill 390 feet high, to the west¬ 
ward of the town, from the eastward appears conical; and the Arenal 
del Puntal, which at low water is visible a long way off on account of 
its whiteness. 

Southern side of entrance.—Santa Marina Island is about 
700 yards in length north and south. It is low and covered with 
brambles, and between it and the mainland is a narrow channel some¬ 
times able to be used by boats. The island is surrounded by a rocky 
ledge, which extends 150 yards north-northeastward from the north¬ 
ern point, with shoal water the same distance beyond the rocks. 

Alto de Ruballo, or El Cotrajon, is a hill sloping east and west, 
entirely covered with wood, about 2 miles southwestward from Santa 
Marina Island. 

Pedrena Point, or Rostro, is about 2.2 miles southwestward of 
Santa Marina Island, and on it is an inn, near which is a landing- 
place. The coast between forms an inlet, through which the Cubas 
River runs. 

Rio de Cubas, also named Miera, is of small size in summer, but 
is subject to heavy floods in winter, which produce alterations in the 
banks. It flows north-northeastward on the eastern side of Alto de 
Ruballo, then turns westward, passing northward of that hill and of 
Pedrena Point, when it turns northward and flows into Port San¬ 
tander, abreast Promontorio Point. It has formed a bank south- 
southeastward of San Martin Point, which narrows the channel of 
the port. 

Acebo Point, 1.5 miles south-southwestward of Pedrena Point, 
is of little height, and terminates in some red cliffs. Marnay Islet 
lies 500 yards west-northwestward of this point. Sand banks ex¬ 
tend over 1.5 miles north-northwestward between these points and 
form the southern and eastern sides of the channel of the port. 


! 


448 


SANTANDER. 


Quarantine ground. —Over 1 mile south-southwestward of 
Acebo Point is Isla del Lazareto, near which is the quarantine an¬ 
chorage. 

Isla de Mouro, commonly called Mogro, lies at the entrance of the 
port, east-northeastward of Caballo Point, and about 800 yards from 
the mainland. The islet is ragged, less than 200 yards in diameter, 
and about 90 feet above the sea, with a white stone light tower on it. 
A rock above water, named Corbera, lies 100 yards from the north¬ 
eastern side of the islet, with some rocks on its southwestern side 
which uncover at one-third ebb. A bank with 1J and 2 fathoms 
water on it lies 150 yards south from the southwest side of the islet 
off Raposa Cove. In a northerly or northwesterly gale the islet is 
enveloped in spray. 

Shoal. —In the middle of the channel formed by Mouro Island 
and Magdalena Peninsula and on the range of Cavada Peak with 
the hill Alto de Ruballo, it has been found that where the chart shows 
a least depth of 31.8 feet there is not more than 19.7 feet at the 
lowest tide. 

Light. —F rom a slightly conical tower, 61 feet in height, on Isla 
de Mouro, with the keeper’s house built around its lower part, a fixed 
white light, visible 9 miles, is exhibited at an elevation of 144 feet 
above high water. (See Light List.) 

Northern side of entrance.—Cabo Mayor, the western entrance 
point, is steep, and about 200 feet high, with a lighthouse J mile 
westward of its extremity. The cape terminates to the northeast in 
a small high peak, named Pico de Gallo. 

Light .—From a white circular light tower on Cabo Mayor, 30 
feet in height, a fixed and flashing white light is exhibited 298 feet 
above high water. The fixed light is visible 16 miles and the flash 
24 miles. The keeper’s house is joined to the south side of the 
tower and is painted white. (See Light List.) 

A white flag hoisted at the lighthouse indicates that the tug can 
not put to sea. 

Radio. —A radio station, open to the public at all times, has been 
established at Cabo Mayor; call letters E A S. 

Signal station. —About 4 mile 265° from Cabo Mayor Light¬ 
house, Santander Semaphore has been placed. The building, which 
has a flagstaff with a yard near it, is painted in black and white 
bands. The system of signals used is the international code. Sig¬ 
nals are telebraphed to Santander which are made with that object. 
Vessels should hoist their numbers on approaching the station 

Cabo Menor, 4 mile southeastward of Cabo Mayor, is lower and 
has a battery on its summit. It terminates in a low flat point, with 
a reef 100 yards off it. The sea occasionally breaks on the reef and 
at some distance outside it. 


SANTANDER. 


449 


Anchorage.—Nearly 1 mile southeastward of Cabo Menor is 
Caballo Point, which is steep. Between the two points is a bay, 
with a beach named lava del Sardinero, in which there is anchorage 
when the wind and tide are adverse for entering the harbor. The 
best position is in 7 or 8 fathoms, rand, 600 yards south-southeast¬ 
ward of Cabo Menor. Farther south th bottom is rock ; nd stone. 
There is also anchorage 300 yards southward of the point in 8 
fathoms. A buoy is moored nearly 600 yards south by east of Cabo 
Menor. There are 3 batteries on the shore of the bay. 

Punta Puerto, 700 yards southeastward of Caballo Point, is low, 
and shoal water extends about 100 yards off it. On the high ground 
over the point are the ruins of a fort. About 200 yards west-south- 
westward of Puerto Point is Cerda Castle. 

The shore from Cerda Castle curves west-southwestward to Pro- 
montorio Point, forming a bight 0.7 mile wide, which is very shallow 
and full of rocks. There is a small landing mole in the bight. La- 
torre Islet lies in the bight, to the shore of which it is connected by 
rocks at low water. The islet is low and divided into two parts, 
which are united by a natural bridge. It is surrounded by shoal 
water. 

Punta Promontorio is rocky and of moderate height., A wooden 
quay has been constructed at the point, alongside which there is a 
depth of 3^ fathoms at low-water springs and where large steamers 
coal. In northwesterly gales much swell is experienced here, when 
vessels lying alongside require additional moorings. 

A retaining wall is being built from Punta Promontorio to near 
the dry dock at San Martin Point. It is proposed to construct a 
wet basin eastward of Punta Promontorio. 

San Martin Point is situated 450 yards westward of Promontorio 
Point, and J mile farther westward the town of Santander com¬ 
mences ; thence the shore trends around to the south, the whole being 
fronted by extensive sand fiats, which dry at low water and leave a 
navigable channel throughout the whole extent 250 to 400 yards wide. 

Bar of Santander.— There are two entrances to Port Santander, 
one on each side of Mouro Islet. The western, called the bar, is 700 
yards wide, with a depth in its fairway of 5 to 6 fathoms at low 
water; the eastern, between Mouro Islet and Santa Marina Island, 
is about a mile wide, with a depth of 11 to 6 fathoms. 

Channel—Depths. —From abreast Punta Puerto the channel 
trends west-southwestward for about 1.5 miles to abreast Molnedo 
Basin, with a least width of 200 yards and depth of 4J fathoms at 
•low-water springs. It then contracts to 100 yards in width, with a 
least depth of 2 >\ fathoms, but widens again when abreast the cen¬ 
ter of the town, where it turns south-southwestward between Mali- 


450 


SANTANDER. 


ano Quays and the flats extending from the eastern shore of the 
inlet. It here has a width varying from 200 to 400 yards, with 
general depths of from 3J to 6 fathoms, but with 2 patches in mid¬ 
channel, with 2J and 2J fathoms on them, respectively. From Mali- 
ano Mole the channel trends southward between flats on either side, 
with a least depth of 2J fathoms, to Isla del Lazareto; thence to As- 
tillero, nearly a mile farther on the western shore, which can be 
reached by vessels of 19 feet draft. Training walls are being con¬ 
structed along Ria del Astillero. Dredging is carried on as required. 

Dangers—Northern side.—Horadada Islet, about 400 yards 
southwestward of Cerda Castle, is pierced through and resembles 2 
rocks connected by a bridge. It is marked by a beacon and a light 
at night. Shoal water extends between Punta Puerto and Horadada 
and for about 165 yards south-southwestwarcl of the islet. 

Beacon. —A truncated conical beacon surmounted by a black ball 
is situated 380 yards 258° from Horadada Beacon. Shoal water 
extends over 200 yards southwestward from it. 

Light buoys. —Two light buoys, Nos. 2 and 4, painted black and 
exhibiting a fixed green light at night, are moored southward of the 
shoal water extending westward from Horadada Islet. 

The shoal water abre'ast Molnedo Basin is marked on its south side 
by a black buoy. 

Southern side—Banco de las Quebrantas. —This is a dangerous 
shoal, with from 6 to 15 feet water over it, extending north-north¬ 
westward 800 yards from the Arenal del Puntal in the direction of 
Mouro Islet. The channel between it and Mouro Islet is mile 
wide, with 3J to 8 fathoms water. 

Arenal del Puntal. —The extensive sands of this name, which 
dry at low water, extend in some places over 0.7 mile off the coast 
southwestward of Santa Marina Island and form the southern 
boundary of the channel to Port Santander. 

The edge of the flats of Arenal del Puntal is within 350 yards of 
Horadada Islet and the sands are extending farther northward. 
They are marked by the following buoys. 

Light buoys. —The edge of the shoal water is marked by 2 light 
buoys, Nos. 1 and 3, painted red and exhibiting a fixed red light; 
the buoys are 750 yards apart and the eastern one is situated about 
300 yards southward of Horadada. 

The banks, which extend nearly 1 mile northward and 1.5 miles 
northwestward from Pedrena Point, form the south and east sides of 
the inner part of the channel and have depths of from 1 to 24 
fathoms on their edges. 

Banco del Bergantin, which dries at low water, lies near the 
edge of the bank, 1.4 miles west-northwestward from Pedrena Point 
and abreast the northern part of Maliano Quays. 


SANTANDER. 


451 


Buoys.— Three red conical buoys and one beacon mark the western 
edge of the bank abreast Maliano Quays. The northern buoy is 
moored off the southwestern end of Bergantin Bank. The beacon 
is situated nearly 600 yards southward of the southern buoy. 

A black buoy is moored on the western side of the entrance to the 
Rio de Cubas and another south-southwestward of the anchorage 
abreast Molnedo Basin. The positions of the buoys can not always 
be depended on. 

Mooring buoys. —Two mooring buoys are placed on the southern 
side of the channel southward of Promontorio Point. 

Cerda. —Between Punta Puerto and Cerda Castle, from a square 
brick tower 38 feet in height, an occulting white light, visible 9 miles, 
is exhibited 79 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Horadada Islet. —From a beacon consisting of a white iron 
column 13 feet high, with a white hut at its base, on Horadada Islet, 
a fixed green light, visible 7 to 9 miles, is exhibited 17 feet above high 
water. The light is unwatched. (See Light List.) 

The port—Molnedo Basin. —Westward of San Martin Point is 
a dry dock. A careening dock parallel with it is used by dredgers 
and small craft. Farther westward is Molnedo Basin, about 500 
yards in length east and west by 100 yards in breadth, which affords 
shelter to fishing boats and coasters. The entrance is about 400 feet 
wide. 

Piers—Quays—Depths.— At Molnedo Basin, Santander Mole be¬ 
gins. It is well built, has a good pavement, and joins the Maliano 
Quays. There is a landing place about 200 yards westward of 
Molnedo Basin, and farther on are three wooden piers, where vessels 
load and discharge. The eastern pier has 13 feet at its end at low- 
water springs. The center pier has 23 feet, and has a 30-ton crane 
on it. The western pier, named Albareda, is situated where the 
channel turns southwestward, and has 23 feet at its end at low water, 
and is furnished with a 15-ton crane. 

Maliano Quays extend about 1,600 yards south-southwestward 
from the river basin. There are 8 projecting piers, the depths at the 
ends of which vary from 14 to 23 feet at low-water springs. Nearly 
all the above piers are connected with the railroad. 

Darsena de Maliano. —Westward of the Maliano Quays a basin 
has been constructed and a channel leading to it deepened. Its 
dimensions are 503 yards in length, 153 yards in breadth, with a 
depth of 12 to 18 feet. 

Harbor lights.— A fixed red light is shown on the western side 
and a fixed green on the eastern side of the entrance to Molnedo 
Basin. Red and green lights are shown from the landing place; two 
o-reen lights are shown from Albareda Pier; and a red light is ex- 
hibited on Maliano Quay. (See Light List.). 


452 


SANTANDER. 


Pilots, in fine weather, board vessels seaward of Cabo Menor, but 
if there is much sea on the bar and boats can not get out the pilot 
waits under the lee of Punta Puerto, and from there makes signals 
to a vessel entering with a flag, inclining the flag in the direction to 
which the vessel should steer, and keeping it vertical while she is 
going well. When over the bar the pilot boards the vessel and pilots 
her into the port. In winter it frequently happens that boats are 
unable to get out. Pilotage is compulsory for all steam merchant 
vessels above 150 tons, and sailing vessels above 75 tons. 

Tugs. —There are 2 tugs at the port. 

Anchorage may be taken anywhere in the channel westward of 
Punta Puerto on a bottom of mud or sand. The position most sea¬ 
ward is southward of the point, with Cerda Castle and the old Ano 
Castle in line, in 6 fathoms, but this anchorage is only taken tem¬ 
porarily. 

Vessels ready for sea anchor southeastward of Promontorio Point, 
in 4} fathoms, with the north point of Santa Marina on with Hora- 
dada. 

Vessels can anchor in from 3| to 4| fathoms southward of the end 
of the mole of Molnedo Basin, with the north point of Santa Marina 
Island in line with Cerda Castle. A red conical buoy lies southwest- 
ward of this anchorage, moored in about 2^ fathoms. 

The general anchorage for merchant vessels is higher up, above the 
house of the captain of the port and abreast the northern part of 
Maliano Quays. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
Santander, at about 3h.; springs rise 12J feet, neaps 94 feet. Gales 
from the southwestward and northwestward cause the tidal rise to 
increase 1 to 1J feet, and those from the northeastward and south¬ 
eastward depress it. The ebb stream is stronger than the flood and 
attains a velocity of over 3 knots an hour at spring tides, during 
which there is very little slack water. In the mouth of the harbor 
a branch of the ebb stream turns southeastward toward the bay south 
of Santa Marina Island, which should be guarded against. In the 
rainy season the strength of the ebb is considerably increased, mak¬ 
ing the entrance difficult for a sailing vessel without a strong fair 
wind. 

Directions. —Port Santander should not be attempted by a 
stranger in a northwesterly gale if the vessel can keep the sea; and 
for a day or so after such a gale it should be approached by a sailing 
vessel with caution in order not to get so far embayed as to be unable 
to haul out again should the bar (as it is termed) be up; for then 
from Punta Puerto to Mouro Islet and across to the Puntal sands 
is a confused sea breaking in 7 and 8 fathoms water. 


SANTANDER. 


453 


I rom the westward, with a fresh breeze from that quarter, it is 
necessary to close the land and to ascertain the vessel’s position. 
With any sea, if near the coast, the Cabezo de San Pedro del Mar, 
a rocky bank on which the sea often breaks, should be avoided. Dur¬ 
ing southerly winds the coast is visible, but it is generally obscured 
with strong southwesterly or northwesterly winds. With the wind 
between north-northeast and southeast a vessel may pass on either 
side of Mouro Islet; but large vessels from the westward, with the 
wind from north-northwest to northeast, should enter by the western 
channel, called the bar, which should be taken at half flood. 

Steer in with Cavada Peak in line with the middle of Alto de 

« 

Puballo bearing 1T6° until southward of Mouro Islet and past Punta 

Puerto. 1 When Horadada Islet is in line with Promontorio Point 
steer 248°, passing between Horadada Islet and the easternmost red 

light buoy. Continue westward between the red and black light 
buoys for about 700 yards after passing Horadada Islet, then steer 
to pass about 100 yards to the southward of Promontorio Point 
and northward of the two mooring buoys off it and follow the line 
of coast to the anchorage within the house of the captain of the port, 
passing southward of the black buoy abreast Molnedo Basin, using 
the chart as a guide, or anchor as previously directed. 

From the eastward pass f mile northward of Santa Marina Island, 
and when between that island and Mouro bring Horadada Islet in 
line with Punta Puerto, bearing 239°. When southward of Mouro 
Island, with the above mark on, steer 221° until Horadada is in line* 
with Promontorio Point, when proceed as before directed. 

Moor with open hawse to the southward during winter with a long 
scope on the western anchor, as the wind from that quarter blows 
with great violence. 

With an ebb tide a sailing vessel may anchor off Sardinero Beach, 
but a heavy swell rolls into Sardinero Bay and the anchorage be¬ 
comes unsafe during a northwesterly gale, when it is not prudent for 
a large vessel to run for Santander if she can keep the sea. It is 
better to remain outside and to windward of the port, bearing in 
mind that the easterly current sometimes attains a velocity of over 3 
miles an hour. 

Sailing vessels generally leave the port with the land wind in the 
morning, even with a flood stream, but a vessel may leave with a foul 
wind and ebb tide by backing and filling. To insure getting well 
out it is prudent to drop down previously to one of the outer 
anchorages. 

The town of Santander and capital of the Province of San¬ 
tander is a place of considerable commercial activity. It is well 


1 A 19-foot shoal has recently been reported on this bearing. 




454 


SANTANDER. 


built, and extends northward and westward on the sides of two small 
hills crowned with trees, which contribute to its picturesque effect. 
The cathedral stands on the summit of the hill which runs along the 
shore of the inlet, at the foot of which the railway commences. 

A handsome line of houses runs along in the rear of the quays, 
facing the south. The house of the captain of the port, the health 
office, and customhouse are situated on the quay. In 1910 the popu¬ 
lation was about 65,209. 

Communication.— There is communication by rail, coasting 
steamers, and telegraph. The steamers of the Compagnie Generate 
Transatlantique sail for Habana and Vera Cruz once a month and 
to the West Indian Islands, etc., once a month. The steamers of the 
Campania Transatlantica, of Barcelona, sail to the West Indies, 
New York, and Yera Cruz once a month. The vessels of the Ham¬ 
burg-American Line also call at Santander, where the emigration 
traffic to Cuba and Mexico is considerable. 

Radio station.— A radio station, open to the public, call letters 
E. A. S., is located on Cabo Mayor. 

Hospital. —There is a hospital for sailors, but no sailors’ home. 

There are no special quarantine or customhouse regulations. 
Quarantine is performed inside the harbor. 

Trade—Shipping.— The chief exports are copper and iron ores, 
pig iron, zinc, and preserved fish and meats, the imports being coal, 
tobacco, mineral manures, timber, and petroleum. In 1908. 851,757 
tons of iron ore were exported, and in the same year 127,148 tons of 
coal were imported. In 1912, 1,769 steam vessels of 1,614,125 tons, 
and 113 sailing vessels, of 6,099 tons entered the port. 

Dock. —A little west of San Martin Point a dry dock has been 
constructed. (See Appendix II.) 

Repairs. —There are 2 foundries and machine workshops, fur¬ 
nished with all necessaries for the construction of boilers and ma¬ 
chinery, and repairs can be effected. 

Coal. —Coal may be obtained for steaming purposes, and there 
were about 1,200 tons in store in 1909. Steamers can be coaled either 
alongside a wharf or from lighters; about 400 to 500 tons can be 
loaded in 24 hours. 

Supplies. —Here will be found all the resources of a commercial 
port. Ships may water alongside from tank vessels and from pipes 
on the quays. Fresh provisions can be obtained. 

Storm signals.— Bad weather is notified by the following signals 
hoisted on a mast at the house of the commandant of the marine: 
By day a black ball and at night a red light at the masthead. 

Life saving. —Pocket apparatus are maintained at Somo, south¬ 
ern side of entrance, and at Cerda Castle, Santander. 


CABEZO DE SAN PEDRO DEL MAR. 


455 


The coast westward of Cabo Mayor is steep and rocky, and trends 
westward rather more than 1 mile to a headland of lower elevation, 
named Cabo Lata, with an islet named Ansion on its western side; 
thence follows a lower but still rocky coast for 1,400 yards to Cornuda 
Point, when it turns more to the south for 1,400 yards to a small 
open bay with a sandy beach, with a battery, named San Pedro del 
Ma r, on its east point. 

On the western side of the bay a narrow inlet runs westward, in 
which fishing vessels find shelter in northeasterly and easterly winds; 
but if there be any sea from the northwest it can not be entered, for 
the sea always breaks on the bar, which is of rock. There is a water 
mill in the inlet and at high tide boats go up to it, where they lie 
in safety. Punta San Pedro del Mar is the western point of the bay. 

About 1.7 miles westward of Punta San Pedro del Mar is the islet 
of Nuestra Senora del Mar, with a hermitage on it. The islet is rock, 
low, steep, and joined to the mainland by a bridge. Nearly 1 mile 
farther on is the point and the remains of a watchtower of San Juan 
del Canal, high and precipitous, and between is a small bay with a 
sandy beach receding to the southwestward and useful for boats in 
westerly winds and a smooth sea. 

The land within the above coast is higher, forming a long and even 
ridge westward of Cabo Mayor, with an inner ridge, on which is the 
Alameda Alta of Santander, Cueto village, the watchtower, with 
numerous houses and buildings. Above these ranges rises the Pena 
Castillo. 

Cabezo de San Pedro del Mar. —This bank is of some extent in 
an easterly and westerly direction. Its shoalest past lies nearly 1.5 
miles from the shore of San Pedro del Mar. There are 10 to 12 
fathoms water over it at low tidq and 15 to 18 fathoms between it 
and the land. The sea* often breaks on this bank, and even near it, 
and vessels should either give it a wide berth or pass inside it. 

The coast between San Juan del Canal Point and Somocueva. 
Point, 2.7 miles westward, is broken, low, and cliffy, with sandy 
beaches. It is fronted at a short distance by a chain of rocks above 
water, named Urros de Liencres. There are channels between the 
rocks, and also between them and the mainland, for small craft in 
fine weather; but the bottom is foul outside the rocks, which no vessel 
of any size should approach. Somocueva Point, called also Liencres, 
is rather low, rugged, and projects westward. The low coast follow¬ 
ing for about 3 miles to Cuerno Point forms a bay. The eastern part, 
between Somocueva and Aguila Points, a distance of 1.5 miles, is 
clean, flat, and sandy, off which breakers extend a long distance. It 
then becomes low and rocky, with the exception of a small beach 
named Usgo. 


21235°—17-30 



456 


SAN MARTIN DE LA ARENA. 


Liencres Hills rise between Somocueva Point and Mogro Peak, 
and extend 1.5 miles northeasterly and southwesterly. They are of a 
dark color, and on the southern part there are 2 well-defined peaks 
resembling a saddle, the southern peak being the higher, and 685 feet 

above the sea. Liencres village, with a high church tower, is at the 
northern foot of the hills. Extensive sands of a light-red color, 

named Yal de Arena or Liencres, extend inland and about 165 feet 
up the slope of the hills, between Somocueva and Aguila Points, and 
can be seen from a distance of 15 miles. This is the only elevated 
land on the coast between Suances and Santander. 

Mogro Peak is a small isolated conical hill about 525 feet above 
the sea, and a village of the same name stands on its northern side. 
The peak is conspicuous and used as a mark for San Martin de la 
Arena. The mariner is warned not to mistake this peak for that of 
Cavada nor the sand of Val de Arena for that of Puntal. 

Mogro River.—A small islet lies off Aguila Point, and eastward 
of it the Pas or Mogro River falls into the sea, passing on the 
western side of the hill of that name. The bar can only* be crossed 
by boats at high water and in fine weather, for at low water it is 
dry. In the river there is sufficient water for small craft, and in the 
winter it is swollen by freshets. 

Approach to San Martin de la Arena.—Cuerno Point projects 
northward and terminates in a reef which connects it to Pasiega 
Islet, nearly 200 yards distant. On the western side of the point are 
several rocks, which only show at low water, the outermost of which 
are called Joaquina and Xarillo. The latter is 300 yards west- 
southwestward of the point. 

Conejera Islet.—A group of 5 islets lie off Cuerno Point; the 
northern and largest, named Conejera, is 40 yards long and 100 
yards wide. It is steep on all sides, difficult of access, and its east 
end is 1T5 feet high. It may be approached to a short distance, as 
it is bold and clear of danger. The rocks on the south side are 
almost connected to it. The west end of the islet is 600 yards distant 
from Cuerno Point. 

Between Conejera Islet and Cuerno Point is Pasiega Islet, low and 
surrounded by reefs. There is a clear narrow channel betw< > these 
islets carrying 5J fathoms water, but the passage between Pasiega 
and the point is only available for small craft at high water. The 
other three islets, Casilda, Segunda and Solita, lie eastward of 
Pasiega, with channels between them for small craft. 

Cuerno Point and the islets off it bound the eastern side of the 
entrance to San Martin de la Arena, and Dichoso and Torco de 
Afuera Points the western side. 

Bara Point.—About 1,400 yards southwestward of Cuerno Point 
is Barra Point, the eastern entrance point of San Martin de la Arena. 


457 


SAN MARTIN DE LA ARENA. 

The coast between forms two small bays, separated by IJmbrera 
Point. The western bay is the larger, and contains a small beach 
named Patrocinio. The shore of the other is steep rock. In both 
there are numerous dangers. 

Dichoso Point and Hilera Point are the northwestern and north¬ 
eastern extremities of the Castro Peninsula west entrance point of 
San Martin de la Arena, which is low, rocky, and of a light color, 
with a rounded hill on it, named Alto del Dichoso. A narrow, low 
neck separates it from the inner land of Castro Peninsula, so that 
from a long distance westward it appears like an island. 

San Martin de la Arena, or Suances.—This inlet, although 650 
yards wide at the entrance, is narrowed within by sand banks on 
either side, which dry at low water, leaving a channel from about 
100 to 200 yards wide. The entrance is entirely open to the north, 
and Hilera and Torco de Afuera Points afford only slight shelter 
from northwesterly and westerly winds, when the swell generally 
rolls in heavilv. 

Light.—On Torco de Afuera Point, from a conical white tower 
30 feet in height a fixed white light, visible 9 miles, is exhibited, 118 
feet above the sea. (See Light List.) 

Bar—Depth.—The average depth on the bar, the channel over 
which now passes between 2 breakwaters in construction, is about 
16 feet at the highest spring tides; and the narrow channel within 
carries from 3 to 20 feet at low-water springs. The nature of the 
bottom ife mud or muddy sand nearly throughout, and in places the 
latter depth is found close to the shore at low water. Vessels enter¬ 
ing this inlet should not draw more than 9 or 10 feet, for although 
vessels of 11 to 12 feet draft can enter under favorable circum¬ 
stances, much time is lost in waiting for spring tides, which are not 
always accompanied with moderate winds and a smooth sea. A 
small lift of the sea always prevails on the bar, and 4 or 5 feet should 
be allowed for this. 

The bar is constantly shifting; every gale and every freshet of the 
river changes it. When the freshets are strong the water forces 

itself through the sand and leaves a channel 6 or 7 feet deep, but a 
northerly gale causes the sand to accumulate and to dry at low 

water. 

The bar may be taken in all winds, except those between southeast 
and southwest, whenever the state of the tide and sea admits. At 
the time of a great freshet, which will be known by the color of the 
water some distance outside, the entrance should not be attempted, 
on account of the strength of the stream. 

Works are in progress wih the view of improving the channel by 
walling the banks of the inlet, and a mole under construction is 
marked by a red buoy at its end. 


458 


SAN MARTIN DE LA ARENA. 


Pilots.—Pilots are indispensable for this river, and, weather per¬ 
mitting, a pilot goes olf to an approaching vessel. When unable to 
go out the pilot waits inside the breakers, and the vessel is then 
guided by signals made from the Atalaya, on the first point on the 
western side within the entrance. From the Atalaya the bar and 

channel are distinctly seen. 

*/ 

Pilot signals.—If the bar be passable and a pilot unable to come 
out, the signals made by a white flag from the Atalaya must be at¬ 
tended to. While the flag is upright the vessel keeps as she goes, 
but if inclined, steer toward that direction until the flag is again held 
upright. Within the bar the pilot boards the vessel and takes charge. 
If too much sea or too little water, the flag is waved from side to 
side, and the vessel should stand off'. If, on returning to the entrance, 
the flag is held stationary, the bar may be taken, but the tide and 
vessel’s draft must be considered. As the entrance is narrow it should 
only be attempted by one vessel at a time. 

Tugs.—There is a tug at the port of sufficient power to tow the 
vessels that frequent it. 

Anchorage.—There is a summer anchorage south-southwest of 
Cal Point on the right bank, in about 2 fathoms at low water, with 
Atalaya Point bearing 325° about TOO yards distant. 

Covatera Anchorage, where the depth is about If- fathoms at low 
water, is situated 300 yards east-southeastward from Cal Point, and 
is well sheltered. 


Directions.—From the westward, close Dichoso and Hilera Points, 
which are clear and steep-to; from the eastward, close Conejera Islet, 
also steep; then steer for the entrance of the channel of the bar, 
or for the pilot boat if she is outside, paying attention to the pilot 
signals. 


Care must be taken not to get on the Joaquina and Xarillo Rocks, 
which lie about 200 and 300 yards west-south westward of Cuerno 
Point and only show at low water. 

If the low coast can not be seen while the land in the interior is 
clear; Viernoles Peak, which rises 1,577 feet above the sea, bearing 
175°, leads to the entrance. 

Within the entrance.—The land on either side of the inlet is 
covered with wood and meadow and scattered with villages and 
farmhouses. Atalaya Point, 1,100 yards southward of Torco de 
Afuera, is the first point on the western side within the entrance, 
and projects halfway into the river. On the point is a green hillock 
55 feet high with a pilot’s lookout. There are also a, hotel and a. 
castle. About 200 yards southward of the Atalaya, on 'Power Point, 
are the remains of a tower. The principal village of the inlet is 
Suances, which stands on a height on the western side. It is the first 
village on entering, and its church is Conspicuous. Here the pilots 


SAX MARTIN DE LA ARENA. 459 

and the marine authorities live, but the health officer resides at 
Requejada. The village contains 1,798 inhabitants. 

Requejada is a small village with large granaries, which gives it 
an imposing appearance, about 3 miles up the inlet on the right 
bank, near the high road from Santander to the interior. At low 
water there are 2 fathoms, mud, near the landing place of the vil- 
h lc h is now only visited by small craft with coal or to load 
with zinc ore. A essels arriving in ballast discharge it at the place 
named Harbor Master, opposite Cantos Landing. 

Saja and Besaya Rivers during the rainy season discharge so much 
water into the inlet that it overcomes the flood stream and renders it 
difficult for a vessel to make way against it. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, at 
the bar of San Martin de la Arena at 3 h.: springs rise 12 feet: fresh 
winds from southwest to northwest cause an increase in the tidal rise 
of 1 to 1 feet, but winds from the opposite quarter similarly depress 
it. The stream runs in the direction of the channel 4 knots an hour 
between Atalaya and Marzan Points, which are 260 yards apart, and 
increases considerably in the freshes. The entrance should be ap¬ 
proached on the flood by the larger vessels that enter. 

Supplies.—Water and fresh provisions can be obtained at Hino- 
jedo and Requejada villages, and at the latter some coal. Water can 
be obtained near Harbor Master. 

The coast between Dichoso Point and Ballota Point, about 1.5 
miles to the west-southwestward, forms Garrera Bay. Outside the 
bay the bottom is clean and water deep. Xear Buev Point, on the 
western side of Castro Peninsula, is a ruined watch house situated 
300 yards southwest ward of Dichoso Point. Rocks extend 100 yard- 
westward of Buev Point. 

Canto Bank, about 20 yards in extent, with 14 fathoms of water 
over it. lies 2 miles 324' from Dichoso Point. Between it and the 
point there are 26 fathoms, decreasing to 15 fathoms near the point, 
and at a short distance outside the bank 26 to 54 fathoms. In strong 
winds there is a heavy sea on the bank. In west-northwesterly gales 
it breaks, and a wide berth should be given to it. About 2.7 miles 
48 r from Canto Bank is a patch of 10 fathoms. 

Ballota Point is a remarkable, salient, steep black point, and is 
sometimes called Xesrra Point. Reefs extend from it. and Percebera 
Rock, about the size of a boat, dries at low water a short distance 
from its extremity. The rock is steep-to, and there is a passage 
inside it for small craft. 

The coast west-southwestward of Ballota Point is moderately 
high, broken, and in places covered with vegetation, but generally 
b are . showing the light-colored rock of which it is formed. Playa 
de Santa Justa is at the head of a bay. which is foul, and a chapel 


460 


LUANA. 


of the same name stands close to the rocks on the western part of 
the beach. At a short distance eastward of Santa Justa beach, sepa¬ 
rated by a rocky ridge, on which are the remains of a watch tower, 
is a more extensive beach, but it is fonl, with a heavy surf on it. 
The coast between the heights of Santa Justa and Calderon Point 
is foul and rocky. 

Calderon Point is low, rocky, and projecting. Rocks lie off the 
point to the distance of 600 yards. The point forms two parts, one 
projecting northeastward, the other northwestward, which respec¬ 
tively afford shelter for boats from easterly and westerly winds, on 
sandy bottom, but the coast is rocky. A short distance off the land 
the depth is from 12 to 23 fathoms. 

About 2 miles west-southwestward of Calderon Point is Carra- 
strada Point, with outlying rocks, the coast between being bold, 
with ravines. From a moderate distance offshore the church of 
San Pedro, conspicuous by its tower and isolation, may be seen be¬ 


tween the points, on a plain near the sea. 

The coast bet ween Carrastrada Point and San Vicente de Lai ana, 
2 miles west-southwestward, become? low. 

San Vicente de Luana.—Luana Bay is choked with sand, form¬ 
ing a clean extensive beach. A small river descends through a 
ravine over the beach to the sea. On Ruiloba or Luana Point, the 
western extermity of the bay, is the hermitage of San Vicente, and 
on the heights above and a little inland is Ruiloba Village. East¬ 
ward of the point and the rocks which surround it fishing craft find 
shelter from westerly winds. A vessel under the necessitv of run- 
ning ashore to save the crew should, if possible, select the middle of 
Luana Beach, at high water. The beach is the only one of any 
extent between San Martin de la Arena and Comillas. 

Remedios Point, 1 mile westward of Ruiloba Point, is salient, 
with reefs extending a short distance from it. Two large caverns, 
remarkable from their dark color, appear in the cliff, eastward of the 
point. The church of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios, conspicuous 
from its size and isolated position, stands on a hill above the point a 
short distance inland. 

Torriente and Luana Banks.—Torriente, the eastern of these 
banks, is about 200 yards in length west-northwestward and east- 
southeastward, with 11 fathoms least water over it, 45 to 54 fathoms, 
mud, on its northern side, and 41 to 27 fathoms between it and the 
land. It lies 3.7 miles 339° from Carrastrada Point, the nearest 
land. 


Luana Bank, 2 miles west-southwestward of the former, is of small 
extent, with 10 to 16 fathoms water over it, and having on its outer 
edge 41 fathoms, increasing quickly to 55 fathoms, muddy bottom. 
Between it and the land there are from 27 to 32 fathoms, sand, stones 




PORT COMILLAS. 


461 


and rock. From the bank Miradorio Point bears 181°, distant 3.7 
miles. These banks break with much sea from the northwest and the 
breakers are very heavy. Between the banks the depth is 54 fathoms. 
A vessel may pass over them in line weather, but it is necessary to 
give them a wide berth when there is any sea. 

Port Comillas.—About f mile westward of Remedios Point is 
Miradorio Point, which is rocky and of moderate height, with reefs 
extending a short distance from it. Between this point and Castillo 
Point, nearly J mile westward of it, there is a bay with a narrow 
beach fronted with reefs. A small stream of water falls into the bay, 
and eastward of it, close to the sea and at the base of Miradorio 
Cliffs, is a calcinating establishment, from which the mines are but a 
short distance. This establishment is conspicuous from its chimneys 
and surrounding worksheds. From a moderate distance seaward the 
walls of the mole, the masts of the vessels inside, and the village scat¬ 
tered over a hill are visible. 

The small port of Comillas is in a little bay on the eastern side of 
Castillo Point, which is rugged with a reef extending northeastward, 
affording some shelter to the bay; also, several detached rocky ledges 
dry at low water on the southeastern side of the point and extend 
over 400 yards into the bay. About 600 yards northeastward of 
Castillo Point the depth is 34 fathoms, rock. There is a signal staff 
on the point, together with some buildings, and Comillas Village, 
which has 2,754 inhabitants, is on a hill about 800 yards southward 
of the point. 

The port is formed in the bay by 2 piers, inclosing a space suf¬ 
ficient only for fishing craft of the neighboring coast, but frequented 
by small vessels to load minerals, 10 only being admitted at one 
time. It is entirely dry at low water and the bottom is muddy sand. 
The entrance is about 8 yards wide. The northern part of the port 
is blocked up with sand. 

There is much swell in the port when there is any sea outside, 
although the entrance is somewhat protected by a kind of gate 
formed of wooden beams. 

A white ball hoisted at the signal staff indicates to an approaching 
vessel that there is no room for her in the port or that there is no 
entry, owing to the bad state of the bar. 

[Note.— Comillas Village is eastward of the extensive sands of 
Meron and Rabia, and San Vicente de la Barquera is westward of 
the sands.] 

Channel.—The channel to the port is narrow, tortuous, and shal¬ 
low. It is bordered by reefs and can only be taken in moderate 
weather with the assistance of a pilot and boats. The bar has a 
depth of 6 feec at low water over rock. 


462 


RABIA BAY AND INLET. 


Lights. —Two white conical pillars are placed on the heights, 
which in line lead to the middle of the bar. At night when the 
weather is bad a light is placed on each pillar—front light fixed 
white, rear light fixed red—and a fire is also made as a guide for the 
fishing craft, if any are at sea. 

Pilots. —When a vessel arrives off the port and there is room for 
her in it a pilot will go out at the proper time to enter. The port 
can not be entered in bad weather, and when there is much sea it 
breaks over a mile from the shore. 

At Comillas pilots for the neighboring ports, including Santander, 
may be obtained. 

Anchorage. —About J mile 284°. from Miradorio Point there is a 
space about 200 yards in extent, where the depths are 6 and 7 
fathoms, sand. Temporary anchorage may be had here in fine 
weather with offshore winds. To the westward and southward the 
bottom is rocky, and in the latter direction the depth decreases grad¬ 
ually to the shore at the southeastern corner of the bay. 

Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at Comillas at 3h.; 
springs rise 12 feet. 

Moria Point, 400 yards west-southwestward of Castillo Point, is 
low and surrounded bv reefs, which extend a consideraole distance 
off'. The most dangerous of these is the Moro, and the breakers on it 
are extensive. Between this point and Eabia Islet, westward of it, 
the coast is of sand, broken by rocky points. The land west-south- 
westward to San Vicente de la Barquera is low and undulating, but 
high in the interior. 

Eabia Inlet has its entrance about 1.2 miles westward of Moria 
Point. Its bar is changeable and dry at low water, but within small 
craft lie afloat. Eabia Islet, long, low, and lying easterly and west¬ 
erly, fronts the bar. At low water it is surrounded by sand. On 
the eastern side of the entrance is Cabrero Point, which is steep, with 
a reef extending northwestward. Approach the inlet at the western 
end of the islet at high water and in fine weather, for the bar 
breaks with the least sea on. Vessels enter the inlet to load with 
building wood for La Barquera, and go up to Eabia Bridge, which 
carries the road across the inlet. There is no village, but an inn near 
the bridge, where there is also a mill. 

Eabia Bay. —Westward of Eabia Inlet the coast trends northwest¬ 
ward, forming Eabia Bay, which is surrounded by an extensive 
white beach. The bay is so encumbered with rocks that only one 
part of it is clear; this part is near Cabo Oyambre, and fishing boats 
make for it in strong westerly winds when they can not approach 
their own ports; but the passage between the reefs requires local 
knowledge. 


SAN VICENTE DE LA BARQUERA. 


463 


Cabo Oyambre, nearly 2.2 miles westward of Moria Point, pre¬ 
sents to the northward a face of a mile in extent, with small hills 
and whitish dills. I he former are from 150 to 170 feet above the 
sea. It is also known by the Meron sands on the westward and those 
of Rabia on the eastward. 

h rom the western extremity of the cape reefs extend west-north¬ 
westward about $ mile, and from the eastern side other reefs extend 
east-northeastward, while on its northern side there are several rocks 
and reefs, on the outer of which a considerable sea rises with north¬ 
westerly winds. 1 here are 17 fathoms of water 1.5 miles seaward of 
the cape, and in bad weather it should not be approached within 3 or 
4 miles. 

Molar Rock, situated on the eastern reef, is sharp pointed and the 
sea frequently breaks on it. When it does it breaks also on Comillas 
Bar. The fishermen watch the Molar to know the state of Comillas 
Bar. 


Meron Beach.—From the western point of Cabo Oyambre the 
large white sands of Meron extend 1.7 miles westward, fronting 
Monte Brana, and terminating within and nearly filling up Bar- 
quera Inlet. 

San Vicente de la Barquera is a large inlet which runs south- 
westward and is divided by a rocky height into two arms. The west¬ 
ern is called Peral and the southern A T i*llegas or Barcenal. The first 
extends more than 1.5 miles inland and leads past new bridge, with 
its nine arches, to Entrambosrios District, while the other arm runs 
about 3 miles in and leads to Barcenal District. Bv the hitter arm 
flat-bottomed craft go up to the ironworks with ore, passing under 
Maza Bridge, which has 28 arches and is 1,574 feet in length. Moor¬ 
ing rings have been placed on new bridge. 

Landmarks.—The following objects serve to assist in the recogni¬ 
tion of the entrance to San Vicente de la Barquera: The Hermitage 
of Santa Catalina, 216 feet above the sea, on Monte Boria, western 
side of entrance; the lighthouse on Silla Point; the fort on Castillo 
Point; the white church of San Vicente; also farther inland Monte 
Escudo, rugged and barren, running east and west, rising inland 
southward of Barquera to a peak 3,240 feet above the sea; and 
Monte Burgon, forming a cone 1,051 feet high, situated 3 miles south¬ 
ward of Barquera. 

Western side of entrance.—Punta de la Sille, a low rocky 
point with a stone light tower upon it, lies on the western side of the 
entrance, and between it and Castillo Point 200 yards to the south- 
southeastward there are isolated rocks, which cover at high water. 

Light.—On Punta de la Silla, over 200 yards from its extremity, 
from a stone tower 42 feet high, a fixed red light visible 6 miles, is 


464 


SAN VICENTE DE LA BARQUERA. 


exhibited at an elevation of 141 feet above high water. (See Light 
List.) 

Del Callo Islet or Pena Mayor, bare and rocky, 46 feet high and 
160 yards in length, over which the sea washes in bad weather, lies 
100 yards oh Castillo Point. The islet is connected with the point 
b}' a reef with only 1^ feet over it at low-water springs, which, how¬ 
ever, forms the western passage into the inlet and is used with 
northwesterly winds by passing close to the western end of the islet. 
Mooring rings have been placed on Callo Islet. 

Pena Menor Islet or rock lies close northeastward of Callo, the 
space between being dry at low water, and 100 yards northward of 
Pena Menor Islet is la Plancha Rock, awash at low-water springs. 

The channels—Depths.—Southeastward of the above islets and 
rocks and between them and Meron Beach bordering Monte de la 
Brania is the eastern passage into the inlet. Meron Beach dries at 
low-water springs and forms various banks with channels between 
them. The sand is gradually drawing toward Callo Islet. The 
depth of water southward of the islet is therefore constantly decreas¬ 
ing and requires frequent examination. The western passage is be¬ 
tween Callo Islet and Castillo Point and has 1^ feet of water, as 
before mentioned. The eastern passage is preferred because the 
bottom is of sand. In the western there are many rocks and the 
bottom is uneven. 

The inlet in former times was resorted to by large vessels, but now 
it is almost choked up with sand and is frequented only by vessels of 
8 to 10 feet draft. In the Peral Channel at high water there is suffi¬ 
cient depth for vessels of 10 to 13 feet draft to proceed as far as 
new bridge, where there is a hole large enough for two or three ves¬ 
sels to lie afloat, secured head and stern. The swell is felt when it 
blows hard from the northwestward. 

Pilots.—There are two pilots, one of whom boards vessels outside 

the port in fine weather, but when the state of the weather prevents 

the pilot from going outside he remains under the lee of Callo Islet 

and directs the course of the vessel, as usual, by means of a blue flag. 

A pilot is necessary. Pilots for Santander and the other ports on 

this coast may be obtained at San Vicente. 

*/ 

Directions.—The mark for approaching eastward of Callo Islet 
is the church of San Vicente de la Barquera in line with the south¬ 
ern side of the islet and that for approaching westward of Callo is 
the west end of the islet in line with the ruins of an old house called 
Casa de la Maza, bearing 175°, or in .line with another house nearly 
200 yards southwestward of Maza House, bearing 181°. In entering 
the inlet, whether passing east or west of Callo, keep the islet aboard. 
When the southernmost house of the town comes in sight clear of 


SAN VICENTE DE LA BARQUERA. 


465 


E spina Point steer close along the northwestern shore. Anchorage 
may be had oh La Barquera, a short distance within Espina Point, 
where there are from 9 to 11 feet of water. 


I he inlet may be entered with the wind from any quarter but the 
southwest. It should not be attempted till half hood or nearly high 
water, according to the vessel’s draft, and never on the ebb. When 
there is any sea it breaks in both entrances, and in heavy weather the 
breakers extend a long distance seaward. 

Signals.—The following signals for fishermen are made at the 
gah of a mast, 39 feet high and 141 feet above high water situated 
on Castillo Point: 

A square red flag: Bad weather indicated. 

A broad blue pendant: There is no entrance over the bar. 

A white pendant: Assistance has been asked. 

Communication can not be made by the international code signals. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at San Vicente de la 
Barquera, at 3h.; springs rise 111 feet, neaps 8^ feet. With strong 
winds from southwestward, through west, to northward, the water 
rises about 1| feet above the ordinary level, and northeasterly to 
southeasterly winds cause a depression of the same amount. The 
ebb stream runs 3 knots an hour at springs and 2 knots at neaps. 

The village of San Vincente de la Barquera consists of 2 parts, 
an old and a modern. The old houses stand on the crest of the rocky 

•s 

height which divides the inlet into 2 arms, and the modern part 
stands on the eastern slope, extending to the sand, and so close that 
the sea occasionally reaches the doors of the houses. On the highest 
part is a handsome, conspicuous, white church, 230 feet above the 
sea, and the remains of a castle. The village contains 1,769 inhab¬ 
itants. There is a small quay on the northwestern shore of the chan¬ 
nel 550 yards below the new bridge. 

Supplies.—Provisions can be obtained on market days. Water can 
be had at the town near new bridge or at a well near La Barquera. 

Punta Linera.—Between Silla Point, at the entrance to Barquera 
and Linera Point, 0.3 mile west-northwestward, the coast is bordered 
by a rocky ledge, which uncovers at low springs, and extends from 
400 to 600 yards off Linera Point. There are from 24 to 4 fathoms 
close-to. Linera Point projects northeastward from Monte Boria, a 
ridge about 520 feet high. The land westward of this point descends 
in gentle declivities to a low undulating coast. 

Pellereso Point, about 2.5 miles westward of Silla Point, is low 
and steep. To the westward the coast, intersected by the Tinas 
Inlets, is high and level. The high land in the interior to the east¬ 
ward is not so rugged, nor have the mountains so many peaks, as 
those to the westward. 


466 


TINA MENOE AND TINA MAYOE. 


The Tinas.—Between San Vicente de la Barquera and Llanes there 
is a large extent of level coast some 650 feet high, with three breaks 
or ravines nearly equidistant from each other, the middle and most 
conspicuous one being Tina Mayor. 

False Tinas is a name given to some breaks in San Antolin Bay, 
Niembro River entrance, and Celorio and Poo Bays, which appear 
like the real Tinas. Tl;e coast about these points is similar and 
in thick weather the higher land of the interior can not be seen, but 
Tina Mayor may be known from a moderate distance by the light 
tower on San Emeterio Point. 

Tina Menor, or del Este.—About 400 yards westward of Pel 
lereso Point is the entrance to the inlet of Tina Menor, or del Este, 
which trends north and south, with high land on either side forming 
a channel 100 to 200 yards in breadth and J mile in length, when 
the inlet widens out and at high water appears of considerable ex¬ 
tent: but at low water it is nearly dry, with a shallow winding stream 

about 40 yards in breadth between banks of mud and weeds. 

«/ 

The bar is dry at low water, and the inlet is used only by boats. 
The small village of Pesues stands on the western side 4 mile within 
the mouth. 

The coast.—Westward of Vigia Point, at the western side of the 
entrance to Tina Menor, is a rugged islet off the eastern end of a 
small bay with a shingle beach. Pechon Point, eastward of the 
entrance of Tina Mayor, is steep, and the village of the same name 
stands on the northern slope of a hill midway between the Tinas 
Menor and Mayor. The land behind is high and level, but as it 
descends it becomes uneven and terminates in cliffs. Close to Tina 


Mayor entrance is Pechon beach, of white sand, and at its western 
part is the eastern entrance point of the inlet. The bottom is rocky, 
and there are from 23 to 27 fathoms water less than a mile from the 
shore. 

Tina Mayor.—The entrance to this inlet, about 1.7 miles westward 
of Tina Menor, is open to the northward and less than 100 yards in 
breadth in its narrowest part, with high, steep hills on either side. 
The entrance points are Punta de la Barra on the eastern and Puma 
de Tina on the western side. About J mile within the entrance the 
elevated land recedes on both sides, leaving between a spacious culti¬ 
vated plain, through which Deva River runs into the inlet. 

Landmarks.—San Cosine or Jana Mount, 5 miles 221° from Tina 
Mayor entrance, rises to a decidedly conical peak 1,873 feet above the 
sea. This mount is the eastern end of the Cuera Range, which lies 
southward of Llanes. The lighthouse on San Emeterio Point and 
the white beach of Pechon serve to point out the entrance to Tina 
Mavor. 


DEVA RIVER. 


467 


Depths. —The depths in the entrance to this inlet are subject to 
constant changes, and it is advisable to take a pilot to enter. Ves¬ 
sels of only 9 to 11 feet draft frequent the inlet, although those of 
13 to 14 feet can enter under favorable circumstances. They lie 
aground at low water, on soft mud, about 1 mile from the entrance. 
Small vessels go as far as Bustio, where there is a hole with 6 feet 
in it at low water, but it can only be reached at high water, for a 
shingle bank in the channel dries at low tide. 

Dangers. —From the eastern entrance point rocks extend north¬ 
ward 300 yards, and those nearest the point dry at low water. From 
the western entrance point or Punta de Tina rocks under water 
extend 65 yards to the eastward. 

Channel. —After a northwesterly gale the inlet is often closed by 
sand banks, but the pent-up water of the Deva soon forces the usual 
passage. The freshets of the river, however, cause in some places an 
accumulation of gravel, which uncovers at low water, narrows the 
channel through which vessels have to pass, and about \ mile within 
the entrance, between the gravel and western shore, it is only about 
30 yards in breadth. 

Pilot.— There is 1 pilot, who can also take vessels into Tina Menor. 

Directions. —No directions are given, as the pilot must be engaged. 

Bustio village stands on the western side of the Deva, about 1.2 
miles within the entrance to the inlet. Beyond the village the high 
land closes and forms a narrow valley, through which the river runs. 

Trade.— The exports are minerals and timber, and there are no 
supplies. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
the entrance to Tina Mayor at 3 h.; springs rise 11 feet. The tide 
is felt as far up as Molleda, a village on the eastern bank of the Deva, 
a little above Bustio, and where the flood tide lasts for only 2 hours, 
being overcome by the river stream. The ebb stream runs from 3 to 4 
knots an hour at Bustio, while the flood is scarcely perceptible. 

Deva Elver discharges a considerable quantity of water, the 
stream running at 7 or 8 knots an hour during the freshets and 
between 2 and 3 knots ordinarily. In spring and until July if the fall 
of snow during winter has been heavy the freshets are strong. 

Water from the Deva may be used by shipping in an> part of the 
river at low tide, as it is fresh nearly to the entrance. The river 
Deva marks the boundary between the Provinces of Santander and 
Oviedo. 

The coast westward of Tina Mayor as far as Sant'uste Inlet, or 
Tina del Oeste, a distance of 2.2 miles, is formed of cliffs and small 
shingle beaches. Westward of Tina Mayor is Tina Village, almost 
covered by a wood of eiergreen oaks. The hermitage of San Erne- 
terio is on a small flat ground, not far inland. 


468 


LLANES. 


Light.—On San Emeterio Point, about 1.5 miles westward of 
Tina Mayor, and on the slope of the highland, from a conical white 
tower 32 feet high is exhibited a fixed white light, visible 15 miles, 
at an elevation of 223 feet above high water The tower is connected 
with the northern side of the keeper’s house. (See Light List.) 

Santiuste Inlet.—The western of the Tinas or great bays is 
Santiuste or Tina del Oeste. It extends south-southwestward, but 
is completely choked with sand and gravel, so that only small craft 
and boats can cross the bar at high water. The little Cabra River 
falls into the sea at the western end of the beach. Castron de San¬ 
tiuste Islet, rocky and very steep, lies in the entrance of this inlet, but 
nearer the western coast. It is connected with the main by reefs 
which scarcely cover at low water. When the islet bears about 201° 
the bay is open and an extensive sandy beach is seen, conspicuous 
from its whiteness in contrast to the dark and almost vertical rocks 
around. 

Pendules Point, steep and rocky, is about 2 miles westward of 
Santiuste, and a short distance west by north of the point is an islet 
named Concavada, over which the sea at times washes. It is foul all 
around, and it should be given a wide berth. About H miles west¬ 
ward of Pendueles Point is Vidiago Point, with a village of the same 
name close-to, and a mile farther west is the little bay of Puron, into 
which flows a rivulet. Between Vidiago Point and Puron Bay is 
Portas Islet, small and almost joined to the mainland. 

Ballota Point, mile westward of Puron Bay, is level, and pro¬ 
jects northeastward, forming a sandy bay on either side of it. About 
200 yards off the point is an islet of the same name,.nearly the same 
height as the point, flat, and steep on all sides, with a passage between 
it and the mainland for small craft. When the islet is in one with 
the point, bearing 200°, the 2 sandy beaches are visible, the larger 
being to the eastward. The coast westward of the point is bold. 

Santa Clara Point projects northward, between Ballota Point 
and Llanes. This coast is low and cliffy, the interior being high, 
mountainous, and barren. Close westward of Santa Clara Point and 
near the mainland there are 3 islets called Canales, and another islet, 
connected to the main, called Toro or Manuela, lies westward of them. 
Guia Church is on a height eastward of Llanes. 

Llanes.—This small port, formed between Calaverojondo and 
Caballo Points, admits vessels of about 6 feet draft, and its mouth 
is open to the east-northeastward. 

Caballo Point, the northern entrance point of Llanes, is low and 
rocky. Osa Rock, 65 yards eastward of Caballo Point, uncovers at 
low-water springs. Between the rock and the point there are 2J 
fathoms water, sand; and between it and the opposite shore 3 to 3J 


POO BAY. 


469 


fathoms, rock. The depth in the port is reported to be decreasing. 
The little Carrocedo River flows into the port. 

Light.— On San Antonio Point, on the southern side of the en¬ 
trance of the port, from an octagonal white lighthouse, 26 feet 
high, a fixed green light, visible 5 miles, is exhibited 66 feet above 
high water. The light should not be depended on. The keeper’s 
house is joined to the south side of the lighthouse. (See Light List.) 

Directions.— To enter the harbor, the interior of which is dry at 
low water, pass on either side of Osa Rock. The eastern channel is 
the wider, but not so easy to navigate. To enter by the western 
channel bring San Anton Chapel, on the south side of the entrance 
of the port, in line with the Chapel of Virgen de la Guia, on a height 
bearing 201°. The port must be entered with a smooth sea. The aid 
of a pilot and the assistance of a boat are necessary, as the channel 
is narrow and winding. In fine weather a pilot will board a vessel 
on her approaching the port. 

Llanes Village has 1,250 inhabitants, and fresh water and pro¬ 
visions can be obtained there. 

Communication. —There is railway communication with San¬ 
tander and with Oviedo via Rivadesella. 

Life saving. —A lifeboat and rocket apparatus are maintained at 


Llanes. 

Mountains. —The peaks of the Urrieles de Llanes Mountains rise 
8,786 feet above the sea 13 miles southward of the village. Naranjo 
de Bulnes, 8,340 feet high, is one of the most remarkable points of 
the chain, from its isolation, barrenness, and pyramidical form. Be¬ 
tween the Urrieles and the coast the Cuera Range extends eastward 
and westward. This range is not so high as the former. Pico Tar- 
bina, a remarkable conical peak 4,885 feet high, rises above the 
middle of it at nearlv 5 miles southward of Llanes. Tarbina and 


Naranjo de Bulnes in line lead to Llanes Entrance. 

San Pedro Point. —Northwestward of Caballo Point, with a little 
bay between, is San Pedro Point, similar to the other. Coasters 
anchor off this bay in fine weather to await tide to enter the Port of 
Llanes. On San Pedro Point is a round, white house, which is used 
as a pilot’s lookout. From San Pedro Point the coast continues low 
and rocky. 

Parri Point is salient, steep, and on it is a watch house. There is a 
small bay on its eastern side. 

Poo Bay, 1.2 miles westward of Llanes, has a beach through which 
Guerra Rivulet runs into the sea, the mouth of which is entered by 
small coasters at high water. The town of Guerra is a little inland 
and visible from seaward. Off the eastern part of Poo Bay there are 
some islets, of which the outermost and most remarkable is called 


470 


BORIZO ISLAND. 


Palo cle Poo. This islet has the form of a pyramid, and from east 
or west appears like a ship under sail. It may be approached to a 
short distance. 

Two islets, named Almenada and San Martin, steep on all sides, 
lie a short distance off the coast westward of Poo Bay. 

Celono Bay, a little over a mile westward of Poo Bay, has a beach 
and islets off it. It is of no importance. The village of this name,, 
with 500 inhabitants, is a little inland, and a convent, and near it 
an old Benedictine college on a cliff off 1 the coast, are the only build¬ 
ings that can be seen from seaward. 

Borizo Island, northward of the western side of Celorio Bay, is 
nearly circular, steep on all sides, flat, and about the same height as 
the point to which it is connected by reefs, over which there is 
scarcely water for a boat. There are two small islets on its western 
side. 

Niembro Inlet is about 1.2 miles westward of Borizo Island. 
The entrance is 40 yards wide between Cueva Ladrona Point on the 
east and Boriza Point on the west; thence the inlet runs south and 
south-southwest for GOO yards to a beautiful fine sandy basin on the 
northwest and another on the southeast. The channel varies from 
about 45 to 110 yards in breadth, with only 8 feet at the entrance at 
1ow t water, when all the interior is dry. The bottom is a muddy 
sand, on which coasters drawing 7 feet ground, having entered the 
inlet at high water. The entrance is on either side of Peves Islet, 
whence at high water keep in mid-channel and steer by the light 
color of the bottom. The rocks on either side show by their dark 
color. 

Niembro village is in an angle of the northwestern basin. The 
belfry of the church, which is situated on the shore between the 
two bays, alone is visible outside when northward of the entrance. 
The little Niembro River discharges between the two basins, and the 
water is good. No provisions can be obtained here. 

The best berth is in the southeastern bay, near the church. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
Niembro Inlet at 3 h.; springs rise about 11 feet. The interior of the 
inlet dries at three-quarters ebb, so that the greatest rise of water 
above the ground is from 8 to 9 feet within the basin and a little 
more in the channel leading to it. The stream is said to run out 
about H knots an hour. 

Vaca Rock lies 900 yards east-northeastward from the eastern 
part of Cabo Prieto and is awash at low water. It is dangerous when 
covered with smooth water, but when there is any sea it breaks. 
There are 44 to 5^ fathoms between the rock and cape, and coasters 
use the channel in fine weather. 


CABO PRIETO. 


471 


About 200 yards southward of the Yaca is a small islet called Peyes, 
and from it a reef extends westward, showing a head at low water, 
which then appears like an islet. There are 44 to 5^ fathoms water 
between it and the Yaca. There are several other islets and rocks 
southwestward or inshore of the Yaca, with channels between them 
for boats, and a clean sandy beach named Toranda, between Cabo 
Prieto and the mouth of the Niembro, sheltered from the northward 
and northwestward by the above rocks, serves as a refuge for fishing 


craft. 

Cabo Prieto, on the northwestern side of Niembro Inlet entrance, 
is of moderate height, with a gentle slope to the sea, terminating in 
steep rugged rocks, which are only seen when near and eastward or 
westward of the cape. The northern face of the cape rises from the 
east end of San Antolin Beach and terminates to the eastward in a 
projecting rocky point, which is the real cape. On a hill over it are 
the remains of a lookout tower. In the front of the cape there is a 
strip of clean beach at the head of a small bay, and some rocks, which 
appear isolated at high water, lie close off the cape. 

Coast.—Westward of Cabo Prieto is Pistana Point, off which 
there is an islet of the same name. At Pistana Point the Playa de 
San Antolin, which is about 1 mile in extent, begins. It is of shingle 
and sand of remarkable whiteness, conspicous from a distance. 
There are numerous rocks at either end, which extend 400 yards 
offshore and uncover at low water, having a clear beach of 400 yards 
length between them. Bedon or San Antolin River falls into the 
sea near the western end of the beach and in winter is a large stream. 
The ravine through which it descends may be seen from a distance. 
M any navigators in a gale have sought this beach for safety and have 
lost their lives in consequence of noc being aware of the above rocks. 
San Antolin Convent, the only building near the beach and east of 
the river, in line with the road on the summit of a ridge, leads be¬ 
tween the rocks. The Playa of San Antonio, near Cabo Mar, should, 
however, be preferred. 

Westward from San Antolin Beach the coast is low and rocky. 
Off Huelga Point, which projects a little, there is an islet, and Deshu- 
racado Islet, which is dark and has a hole through it from east to 
west, lies close off the coast farther west-northwestward. A similar 
coast continues to San Antonio del Mar Beach, which lies a short 
distance eastward of Cabo Mar, where fishing craft take refuge in 
west-southwesterly and west-northwesterly gales and vessels may 
anchor off' the beach*under favorable circumstances. 

There are several small indentations in this part of the coast, the 
largest being Concha de Carneros, which has a rivulet flowing into it. 

At a short distance inland between Capes Prieto and Mar are the 


21235°—17 - 31 



472 


NUEVA RIVER. 


high and barren coast ridges, behind which rise the rugged peaks of 
the Urrieles, covered with snow. 

Cabo Mar, about 4 miles west-northwestward of Cabo Prieto, is 
low, steep, and projects northeastward. It is easily recognized in 
running along the land, but difficult to make out from seaward, as 
it then appears blended with the cliffs near it. It is bold and may be 
approached to a moderate distance, but there is much sea off it in 
bad weather. 

Nueva River.—The coast from Cabo Mar forms a slight bay 
westward for about 1.2 miles to Neuva River, which passes near the 
town of the same name. It falls into the sea through a small, clean, 
sandy beach named Cuevas de Mar. Fishing boats find refuge in 
the river during bad weather, entering at high water. It is.easily 
distinguished by the ravine and white beach. A little westward of 
it is Horcado de Cuevas Islet, a short distance from the shore, but 
the channel between is foul and rocky. 

About 2 miles westward of the Nueva is the mouth of the little 

* / 

Aguamia River. Its eastern point is a high, bold cliff, and the west¬ 
ern is lower. Between the 2 rivers is a small cape called Villanueva, 
and the village of the same name is near it. 

Palo Verde Islet, about 2 miles westward of Agumia River, is 
pyramidal and of moderate height. It lies about 50 yards off the 
mainland, with a passage between having a depth of 7 to 9 fathoms, 
rock. The coast thence trends westward | mile to the inner part of 
the tongue of land forming the Corbero Hills, and it is low, with 
broken cliffs, rising to high land in the interior. 

Serropio Bank, about 1 mile north-northeastward of Caballo 
Point, the northwestern extremity of Corbero Hills, is about 100 
yards in extent, east and west, with 8 fathoms water over it, and 
when there is any sea the breakers on it are extensive. Between the 
bank and the shore there are from 14 to 18 fathoms, rock, and the 
same depth a short distance outside it, deepening rapidly seaward. 
Although the water inshore of the bank may not break, vessels should 
pass seaward of it when there is any sea. 

Rivadesella Harbor.—The entrance to this harboi is 800 yards 
wide, and lies between Corbero Hills on the east and Somos Hills, 
which are somewhat higher, on the west. Between these hills are 
the white sands of Santa Marina, which nearly connect them. 

Eastern side of entrance.—Corbero Hills, or Monte de la Guia, 
349 feet high, are easily recognized by their dark color and isolated 
position, being connected to the main by a narrow neck of land, and 
also by the white chapel of Neustra Senora de la Guia, situated on a 
height of 175 feet near their northwestern part. The northern coast 
of the Corbero Hills is rocky, and a reef with 6 feet over it at low 
water extends about 200 feet from Caballo Point, its northern ex- 


I 


RIVADESELLA. 


473 


tremity; in entering the port, therefore, it should be given a fair 
berth. 

Western side of entrance.—Somos Hills, which extend east¬ 
ward from Carreros Point, and terminates by a rapid descent in the 
entrance to Rivadesella, form the western entrance point of that 
harbor. Their northeastern extremity is Punta Somos or Berguiz. 
On the north they present dark, reddish clitfs, and the cultivated 
ground is of the same color. On the height above Somos Point, close 
to the entrance of Rivadesella, is the lighthouse. Southeastward GOO 
yards from Somos Point is Punta del Pozo, off which rocks and shoal 
water extend northeastward more than 200 yards. 

Channel.—A narrow channel, varying in breadth from about 55 
to 00 yards and carrying about 5 feet at low-water springs and 74 
feet at low-water neaps, runs along by a mole, which abuts against 

the clitfs for nearly 4 mile on the southern and western sides of 

*/ «— 

Corbero TIills to the town, and the western side of the channel is 
bounded by the Santa Marina and other detached banks. 


Bar—Depths.—Between the mole head and the edge of Santa 
Marina sands is the bar of the inlet, with from 44 to 5J feet over it 
at low-water springs and about 17 feet at high water. At neaps 
there are from 7 to 8 feet at low water and about 15 feet at high 
water. The maximum draft for loaded vessels is 16 to 17 feet, and 
they can only enter and leave the port at spring tides. 

Lights.—On Somos Hills, at the western side of the entrance to 
Rivadesella Harbor and about 300 yards within Somos Point, from 
a white rectangular lighthouse, 25 feet high, a fixed and flashing 
white light is exhibited at an elevation of 367 feet above high water. 
The fixed light is visible 15 miles and the flash 22 miles. (See Light 
List.) • 

From a green iron support, 21 feet high, on the head of a mole on 
the northern side of the harbor entrance a fixed red light is exhibited, 
42 feet above high water, visible 6 miles. (See Light List.) 

Pilots.—There are 3 pilots at Rivadesella, one of whom goes out 
to a vessel off the port in fine weather. When a boat can not go 
out a pilot makes the usual signals to direct an approaching vessel 
with a red and white flag from the mole head. When, owing to the 
great rate of the stream or too much swell on the bar there is risk in 
entering, the flag is waved as a signal to the vessel to keep off. The 
charge for pilotage is according to gross tonnage. 

Directions.—When approaching Rivadesella Harbor the only 
part of* the mole seen from seaward is its high solid head about 
26 feet above high water. In entering the harbor steer midway be¬ 
tween, the points of entrance, then direct for the mole head, passing 
about 35 yards from it, and proceed along by the mole. When the 


474 


RIVADESELLA. 


freshes are running strong the water is discolored, and 
vessel should not enter without a commanding breeze. 


a 


sailing 


When there is much sea from the northwest it breaks between 
Caballo Point and the mole head, which renders the entrance almost 
impassable. In case it should be absolutely necessary to enter good 
way should be kept on the vessel so as to keep before the sea. Ves¬ 
sels generally moor or secure to the mole from 400 to 600 yards 
within the bar, but it is stated (1908) that the depth of water is in¬ 
sufficient to allow them to load and discharge afloat. Small vessels 
go farther in, and should they take the ground at low water the 
bottom is soft. Southward of the town different channels are formed 
through the banks of mud and sand. 

In winter moor head and stern, with the vessel’s head up the 
harbor, and hawsers made fast to the mole so as to be better secured 
against the freshes. In summer vessels can lie with their heads to 
seaward. The swell caused by the northwesterly gale is inconvenient 
to vessels moored in the outer part of the port. 

Town.—The town of Rivadesella is situated on the right bank of 
the Rio Sella, less than \ mile within the entrance. It contains 1,610 
inhabitants. 

Trade—Shipping.—The principal exports are iron and man¬ 
ganese ores, nuts, and apples; the principal imports are maize and 
timber. 

In 1913, 46 vessels, of a tonnage of 18,219 entered the port. 

Communication.—There is railroad communication with Oviedo 
and Llanes by means of a branch line- A railroad is to be con 
structed which will connect with Santander and Irun on the east. 


and Oviedo, San Esteban de Pravia, and Ferrol to the westward. 

Supplies—Coal.—Fresh provisions can be obtained and good 
drinking water is supplied from a pipe on the quay at about 30 cents 
the cubic meter. 

About 150 tons of Spanish coal were in stock in 1909. There are 
no lighters. 


Mew works.—More quay space is to be provided and an outer sea 
wall or breakwater is to be constructed. ' Dredging is to be under¬ 
taken in part of the harbor. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, in 
Rivadesella Harbor at 3h., being somewhat retarded or accelerated 
according as north-northwesterly or north-northeasterly winds pre¬ 
vail; springs rise 12 feet. The ebb stream runs 2 knots an hour at 
springs, and increases to 5 or 6 knots with the freshes from the Sella 
River, which flows into the inlet. At neaps it runs U knot; an hour. 

Life saving.—A line-throwing gun is at Rivadesella. 

Pena Santa, a rugged mountain, one of the Penas de Europa, 
with its peaks covered with snow the greater part of the year, ter- 


CARREROS POINT—PENOTE POINT. 


475 


inmates southward of Kivadesella. Its summits re.icli 8,550 feet 
above the sea. 

Carreros Point and Bank.—Carreros Point, about 2 miles west- 
nortlnvestward of Somos Point, is steep, and projects northward, and 
about 1 mile north of the point there are several reefs with to 
5J fathoms water between them in channels available for coasters, 
but they are not frequented, as it is considered dangerous. The sea, 
even when there is little, breaks on the Carreros Bank, and at times 
the breakers extend to the shore. A berth of at least 2 miles should 
be given to the point. 

Monte Carrandi, a high and rugged mountain, with a town on 
its northern slope, rises 8 miles westward of Kivadesella. It extends 
east and west and slopes to the coast, its spurs descending gradually 
and terminating in Carreros, Arrobado, and Atalayas Points. Its 
summit is a series of conical peaks, the largest of which, Pico de 
Sueve, is 3,054 feet above the sea, and its form and dark color render 
it conspicuous. Eastward and inland of Monte Carrandi are rugged 
and broken mountains, and behind them the peaked crests of the 
Pyrenean Chain, almost always covered with snow, which may be 
seen over 60 miles at sea. 

The coast.—Between Carreros and Arrobado Points there is the 
sandy beach of Vega, occupying a large portion of an extensive bay, 
and between Arrobado and Atalayas Points is the sandy beach of 
Moriz. The coast here is much indented and foul, but it may be ap¬ 
proached to a moderate distance. 

Atalayas Point, with that of Isla, about 1 mile westward,. forms 
the entrance of a bay which recedes to the southward, at the head of 
which are the extensive sands of Espasa. 

Espasa Village is a short distance inland, on the bank of the river 
which runs through the middle of the sands. In summer coasting 
vessels embark wood at this place. 

Isla Point is low. A reef extends oh it, and some of the rocks are 
above water. Isla Village is on the shore of the bay southward of the 

point. 

Penote Point, about 1.7 miles northwestward, is higher, and west¬ 
ward of this point the little Colunga Kiver flows into the sea through 
a gap and over a small sandy beach. At high water small coasters 
enter the river and proceed as far as Luz Bridge, halfway to Colunga, 
where they load with wood and other produce. 

Lastres Bay.—The Bay of Lastres, between Penote Point and 
Misiera Point, is sheltered from northwesterly and westerly gales. 
At the village there is a small indifferent mole, which affords some 
little shelter to the fishing boats. Vessels occasionally take shelter 
here from northwesterly winds. 


470 


LASTRES BAY. 


The village has 1,506 inhabitants. Some provisions and good water 
may be obtained. 

Light.—A fixed white'light, visible 6 miles, is exhibited from an 
iron column, 12 feet high, on the northeastern head of the mole. 

Anchorage.—The best anchorage is in 6 and 7 fathoms of water, 
mud, with Cabo Lastres in line with Misiera Point, and Medio Peak, 
to the southwest, in line with San Telmo Hermitage, south of the 
village and halfway up the slope of a hill. A vessel from this an¬ 
chorage would probably clear Cabo Lastres if caught in a northeast 
gale. A mooring buoy for small vessels is placed in the inner part of 
the bay. 

Plancha Rock lies 200 yards off Misiera Point, with 4 fathoms 
water over it. The rest of the coast is of cliffs and clear of danger. 

Cabo Lastres, about 2 miles northwestward of Misiera Point, 
projects northward, and is known by its level surface and by the 
step formed in its slope to the sea. Its northern face is of reddish 
cliffs, and at its foot, about 100 yards from the shore, is Vaca Rock, 
which uncovers at low water; small craft may pass inside the rock. 
Reefs extend some distance from the cape, and in northwesterly gales 
the sea breaks over 2 miles from the coast, and it should then be given 
a berth of 4 miles. 

The coast westward of Cabo Lastres is high, with steep slopes 
partly covered with vegetation. At about 2.5 miles from Cabo 
Lastres is Llastras Point, between which and Rodiles Point, a dis¬ 
tance of over 1 mile, is Conejera Bay. This coast is foul; rocks ex¬ 
tend 400 yards off Llastras Point, the outer of which is awash at 
low water. 

R-ia de Villaviciosa, extending southward from the entrance be¬ 
tween Rodiles Point and Punta Mesnada, presents the appearance of 
an extensive lake at high water, forming here and there bays and 
gullies, bounded by hills covered with trees, vegetation, and scat¬ 
tered villas. At low water the inlet dries, with the exception of 
some narrow channels. 


Work consisting of moles and a basin are in progress in the inlet, 
which are causing changes in the banks, and a pilot is necessary to 
enter. 

Eastern side of entrance.—Rodiles Point, forming the eastern 
entrance point of Ria de Villaviciosa, is rocky. Monte Rodiles, 
southeastward of Rodiles Point, is high, isolated, with a fiat top, 
and is connected to the main by low land. 

Western side of entrance.—Tazones Point, about 4 miles west- 
northwestward of Cabo Lastres, is high, and slopes suddenly to the 
sea. A wide rocky ledge, which at low water uncovers 200 yards 
off, extends some distance from it, and should not be approached 
closely. 


TAZONES. 


477 


Tazones Bay, situated between Tazones Point and Mesnada 
Point, a short distance to the southward, bends to the southwest. It 
is backed by high land, which descends rapidly to the sea, and in 
the middle of the bay is a break, and Tazones Village. Northward of 
the village is a conspicuous white chapel, and below the village 
near the sea is an ancient tower. The shore of the bay is rocky, and 
in the middle of it is a small shingle beach, on which the fishermen 
haul up their boats. 

The steep hill called Mesnada, 275 feet high, and the rocky point 
of the same name extending from its base form the south point' of 
Tazones Bay. Seaward of the point are some rocks, the outer of 
which lies over 200 yards off, and has a depth of 4 feet over it at low 
water. When this rock breaks Villaviciosa Bar also breaks. A 
short distance southeastward of Mesnada Hill is San Miguel Hill, 
higher than Mesnada, but not so steep. From it a low rocky point 
extends eastward, and, together with the Rodiles sand bank on the 
eastern side of the entrance, forms the bar. 

Light.—On Tazones Point, from a yellow rectangular tower, 36 
feet in height, a fixed white light, visible 9 miles, is exhibited, 220 feet 
above high water. The keeper’s house is southward of the light¬ 
house. (See Light List.) 

Bar—Depth.—Across the entrance is a bank, the eastern part of 
which is of sand and the western of rocks. This bank forms the bar. 
The channel over the bar is very narrow. It has a depth in it of 3 to 
5 feet at low water, and from 14 to 16 feet at high-water springs, 
and with very little sea it is impracticable. 

Pilots.—There are 2 pilots for the inlet, one of whom lives at 
Tazones and the other at Puntal on the western shore, where the 
harbor or basin is being constructed. One of them boards an ap¬ 
proaching vessel. 

Anchorage.—In the middle of Tazones Bay and off it in an east¬ 
erly direction the bottom is sand and mud, good holding ground. 
Vessels anchor here in 7 to 10 fathoms water, with winds from north¬ 
west, through west, to southeast, as soon as the chapel and village 
are open of the land of Tazones Point. In taking the anchorage in a 
northwesterly gale give the point a wide berth. There is a mooring 
buoy in the anchorage, to which vessels secure when waiting tide to 
proceed to Puntal. 

Danger.—About 400 yards southward of the anchorage is Batalla 
Rock, which breaks when there is any sea. 

Villaviciosa town, containing about 7,140 inhabitants, is on the 
eastern side of the inlet, about 3 miles from the sea, and Viacaba 
River falls into the inlet a little south of the town. The exports are 
citrons and sugar, and grain is imported. There is steam communi¬ 
cation with Santander and Coruna. 


478 


ESPANA BAY. 


Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at Villaviciosa Bar at 
3 h., and the rise is about 11 feet. Strong west-northwesterly winds 
cause an increase in the tidal rise of about 2 feet, and high water is 
an hour or more later. The reverse effect is produced by northeasterly 
and southeasterly winds. The stream at springs runs about 3 knots 
an hour, but more during the freshes. 

Olivo Point, 1.2 miles west-northwestward of Tazones Point, is 
salient, and presents an easy slope from the high land in the back¬ 
ground. From the offing it is blended with the other land. A reef 
extends a considerable distance off Olivo Point, which in a heavy sea 
should be given a wide berth, as in a west-northwesterly gale there 
are breakers over § mile from the shore. One mile northward of the 
point there are 15 fathoms water, with rocky bottom. 

Coast. —The coast between Olivo Point and Barqueta or Meron 
Bay is covered with vegetation to the water’s edge, but here and there 
it is cliffy. It is clear of danger and may be approached to the dis¬ 
tance of a mile. 

Barqueta Bay is small, with a sandy beach, and Entornada Point, 
the western extremity, is high and round and projects seaward. Coin 
Point, the eastern point of the bay, is high and steep, and small 
villages and extensive cultivated land with scattered houses are 
seen on the heights along the coast. 

The coast westward to the high land over Cabo San Lorenzo is of 
a regular height, terminating in cliffs, and skirted at the distance 
of 100 yards by large detached rocks, which uncover at low water. 
About 400 yards outside the rocks ther are 7 and 10 fathoms water, 
1 mile from 15 to 24 fathoms, and 2 miles 30 fathoms, rocky bottom. 
Outside the depth of 15 fathoms the bottom is sand. 

Espama Bay, between Entornada and Pena Rubia Points, is 1 mile 
wide and rather less than 1 mile deep. Its shores are rocky, and in 
the middle of it there is, a sandy beach through which the little 
Espana River falls into the sea. Pena Rubia is high, steep, and a 
little salient. About 1.5 miles westward is Escalera Point, bold, 
but only distinguishable when near the coast. Westward of the point 
is Somio Bay, which can only be approached in two places, where 
there are sand beaches. The remainder of the shore is foul. 


Cabo San Lorenzo, 3f miles westward of Pena Rubia Point, pro¬ 
jects northward and terminates in a small dark steep hill. The 
extremity of the cape at high water from eastward or westward 
appears like an island. The land over the cape is high. On one of 
the heights is a chapel in ruins, and there is another church on the 
higher part of the land. On the eastern side of the cape there are 3 
low black rocks, named Estano. They are I mile from the shore, 
with 3J to 4J fathoms water between them and 7 fathoms between 


GIJON. 


479 


them and the* cape. Small vessels at high tide and in fine weather 
pass between and within them. 

Punta del Cervigon, about 1.2 miles south-southAvest ward of Cabo 
San Lorenzo, is of moderate height, rocky, and a reef extends nearly 
i mile off it. The coast eastward of it is foul. San Pedro Bay, 
westward of Cervigon Point, is obstructed by rocky ledges covered 
with sand, and there is no anchorage in it. The southern and west¬ 
ern part of the head of the bay is fronted by the Playa de San 
Lorenzo, a sandy beach, which is conspicuous at low water. The 
eastern side of the bay is fronted by a rocky ledge, dry at low water. 
The Pio Piles, a small stream, discharges into the bay at the eastern 
end of the sand beach. 

Cerro de Santa Catalina, about a mile westward of Cervigon 
Point, separates San Pedro and Gijon Bays. It is about 000 yards 
across, east and west, 158 feet in height, and is connected with the 
mainland, southward of it, by a low and narrow isthmus. It is steep 
on its northeastern and northern sides and slopes gently to the south¬ 
ward, where the town of Gijon is situated. Shoal water extends 250 
yards northward. 

Gijon Bay, between the Cerro de Santa Catalina, on the western 
side of San Pedro Bay and Cabo de Torres, is 2 miles wide north¬ 
westward and southeastward and about a mile deep. With the 
exception of Cerro Corona the land around the southern part of the 
bay is low, and it rises near Cabo de Torres. Cerro Corona, about 
a mile west-southwestward of Cerro de Santa Catalina, is 75 feet 
high, almost isolated, and situated between two beaches. The har¬ 
bor of Musel, in the western part of the bay, affords shelter from 
north-northwesterly and north-northeasterly winds, but the rest of 
the bay being quite open to the northeastward a vessel anchored 
outside must be prepared to leave should the wind veer to the north- 
northwestward and blow hard, which it frequently does even in 
summer. These strong winds commonly last two to three days and 
prevail from the north-northeast. Small vessels run for Gijon Port. 
Fishing vessels, when they can not from the heavy sea take the bar, 
run for Musel Harbor, on the Avestern shore. 

Dangers.—Nearly all Gijon Bay is bordered by a rocky flat, and 
its southern part is filled with rocky patches, which make the access 
to the port of Gijon difficult. The principal of these shoals are: 

Serrapio de Mar, or Outer Serrapio, is a rocky ledge with If 
fathoms over it at low Avater springs, from the middle of which the 
Cerro de Santa Catalina bears 144° distant 850 yards. There are 
from 3f to 6 fathoms betAveen it and the shoal water oft' the Cerro. 
When the sea breaks on this ledge it also breaks on the bar, so that 
the pilots watch it for taking the bar. La Moral, a patch Avitli 5£ 


480 


G1JON. 


fathoms on it and 8 to 9 fathoms around, lies 900 yards northeast¬ 
ward of Serrapio do Mar and 0.6 mile off shore. 

La Figar Bank, the northern termination of the rocky bottom of 
the bay, has 4j to 7 fathoms over it and breaks when there is a heavy 
sea, at which time all (lie other shoals also break. Olivo Point,‘open 
of Cabo San Lorenzo, leads northward of it. A wreck is charted on 
the eastern side of La Figar. 

La Osa Bank, the westernmost of these patches, with 3 feet over 
it at low water, lies nearly 1 mile 292° from Cerro de Santa Cata¬ 
lina. At low water the weed on the bank may be seen and the sea 
breaks on it. 

Piedra San Justo, 333 yards to the south-southwest of Serrapio de 
Mar and lying 600 yards 303° from Santa Catalina Lighthouse, has 
2J fathoms over it. It is only dangerous with a heavy sea. A shoal 
of the same depth is situated 100 yards southeastward of the San 
Justo and close to the line of the bar leading mark. 

Serrapio de Tierra,.—Serrapio de Tierra, or Inner Serrapio, is a 
rocky ledge 200 yards in extent, a part of which uncovers at half 
tide and on which the sea almost always breaks. Its connection with 
the reef extending from Bocal Point, on which is the mole, forms the 
bar. The northern and northeastern parts of the ledge have 3 feet 
over them at low water. 

Light.—F rom a pyramidal stone beacon tower, surmounted by a 
red cylindrical reservoir recently constructed (‘lose to the old beacon 
site on the eastern side of the shoal, is exhibited a green fixed light, 
elevated 31 feet above high water and visible 2 miles. The light is 
unwatched. This beacon marks the starboard side of the channel 
for vessels entering Gijon Harbor. (See Light List.) 

Piedra Vendaval, rocky and not less dangerous than Serrapio de 
Tierra, but not so extensive, lies a short distance westward, the 
Carrero Channel passing between these shoals. A wreck is charted 
on this reef. 

Piedra Hueso lies of! the south-southeastern part of Serrapio de 
Tierra. It never uncovers, and between it and the Serrapio there 
are 6 feet of water. 

Light.—A provisional fixed white light is shown 69 feet above 
high water from a white wooden box 6 feet high on the northwestern 
side of the Cerro de Santa Catalina, visible 13 miles. 

Anchorage.—The greatest depth in the bay is 12 fathoms, which 
is at the entrance, the water thence gradually shoaling to the shore 
over a rocky bottom; but near Cabo de Torres patches of sand pre¬ 
dominate. A good berth for large vessels is in 12 fathoms, sand, 
with Orrio Islet, at the foot of Cabo de Torres, bearing 297°, distant 
about 1,300 yards. 


GIJON. 


481 


Mooring* buoy.—A mooring buoy is placed about 900 yards south¬ 
eastward of Orrio Islet in 11 fathoms. It can not be depended on. 
The bar.—Between the shallow water off Santa Catalina Mole and 


Serrapio de Tierra is the principal passage over the bar. This 
passage is about 200 yards in width. The depth on the shallowest 
part of the bar is 23 feet at high-water springs, and, being narrow, 
vessels, if they have good way on, do not receive more than one wash 
or heave of the sea when crossing. But it should not be taken with¬ 
out knowing that there is water enoungh into the basin. 

The Port of Gijon comprises 2 tidal basins, named the Old and 
the Fomento, and an outer port. The outer port is formed by the 
northern mole of the old basin and a mole named Santa Catalina, 
about 1,000 feet in length, which extends in a curve westward from 
that hill. Between the end of Santa Catalina Mole and Fomento 
Mole to the southward is the entrance of the port, about 110 yards 
wide. At low-water springs the depth in the entrance is 94 feet and 
at high water 23 feet. In the port the depth is from 3 to 7 feet over 
the greater portion. The inner part dries at low water. On Santa 
Catalina Mole is a powerful crane. There are 5,232 feet of quayage 
in the outer port, and, in addition, 6,692 feet of quays in the other 
basins* 

Old Basin, into which vessels of upward of 500 tons enter, is 
formed by two moles—one, on which is the customhouse and its store¬ 
houses, extends westward from Santa Catalina Hill; the other ex¬ 
tends nortward from what was Pando Beach. This basin has an 
entrance 130 feet in width. It is 350 yards long north and south, 100 
yards broad, and will contain from 80 to 100 vessels of 50 to 200 


tons. The basin dries at low tide. At high-water neaps there are not 
more than 11 feet at the entrance. It is surrounded by moles, to 
which vessels are secured to load and discharge cargo, and on the 
western side there are two steam cranes and three drops, with rail¬ 
ways from the mines of Langreo. The drops can place 1,200 to 1,500 
tons of coal on board a vessel alongside the quay in a day. Vessels 
not loading or discharging in this basin are secured in tiers with head 
and stern cables to moorings. 

Fomento Basin is formed by the northern and western moles of 
the Old Basin and the Fomento Mole, which extends about 550 yards 
in a curve northeastward from Pando Beach. It is divided into two 
parts by a mole running about 200 yards north-northwestward from 
its southern side. Vessels in this basin are secured to the moles, on 
which there are five steam cranes as well as storehouses, and part 
of the central mole is covered in. There are also railroads from 
Langreo and the north of Spain. This basin is used by vessels of 


482 


GIJON. 


1,500 to 2,000 tons, drawing 14 feet at springs, and coal is shoveled 
on board vessels alongside. Dredging is in progress in the port. 

It is recommended that vessels trading here should be strongly 
built, capable of taking the ground, and their keels plated with iron, 
lor the bottom is rocky and a swell sometimes sets in. The bottom 
is also rock outside the entrance and some dangerous pinnacles show 
themselves at low water on the south side of the bav. 

Cranes. —There are 11 cranes in the port. 1 of 80 tons, and 1 of 
40 tons, and 9 smaller. 

Range and harbor lights. —A fixed red light, visible 5 miles, is 
exhibited from an iron column at the outer end of Santa Catalina 
Mole, and a fixed red light, visible G miles, is exhibited at a height 
of 37 feet from an iron tower on the Fomento Mole, about 110 yards 
from its extremity. These lights in line lead across the bar. 

, t/ vZJ 

A fixed green light, visible 4 miles, is exhibited from the outer end 
of Fomento Mole. 

Three electric lights have been placed on Santa Catalina Mole, the 
north mole of the Old Basin, and on the center mole of Fomento 
Basin, and are exhibited at night to facilitate loading and discharg¬ 
ing vessels. They are visible only in the port, being screened sea¬ 
ward. 

Buoys. —A warping buoy is moored 100 yards westward of the 
entrance to the port, and there is a red and white mooring buoy in 
the New Basin. 

Pilots and pilot signals. —The services of a pilot are necessary, 
and directly a vessel arrives off the port a pilot goes out, but if the 
sea be such that he can not cross the bar he remains in the best place 
for receiving the vessel and makes the usual signals with a blue flag 
to direct the vessel from his boat. The bar should be crossed as 
quickly as possible. -The pilot boats fly a blue flag with a white P 
in it. The chief pilot, who has charge of the port, assigns berths 
for vessels. 

Signal station—Harbor signals. —The following signals are 
shown from the mast of the signal station situated near the north¬ 
eastern angle of Santa Catalina Mole. The signal house is painted 
gray, red, and yellow in vertical stripes. 

The International Code of Signals: 

Flag B: The entrance or exit of all vessels is prohibited. 

Flag H: It is impossible to enter the harbor. 

Flag Y: Exercise caution; the pilot is at the entrance of the harbor 
and will make the necessary signals to the vessel from his boat. 

Flag P: Do not attempt to enter until this signal is hauled down. 

Flag S: Do not attempt to leave the harbor until this signal is 
hauled down. 


GIJON. 


483 


Mag T: There are signs of possible bad weather: vessels should be 
secured with extra moorings. 

blag Q by day or a red light: Port is closed for all boats, ex¬ 
cepting steam fishing vessels, which can take the bar with caution. 

A watch is always kept at the signal station, and vessels can com¬ 
municate by the international code. 

«/ 

Tugs. —There are two tugs at Gijon. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
Gijon at 3h.; springs rise 14 feet and neaps 11 feet. With south¬ 
westerly and northwesterly winds an increase of about \\ feet may 
be expected in the tidal rise and a similar decrease with opposite 
winds. The streams are weak, but when there is a heavy sea the 
eddies are strong in the channel and at the entrance of the port, a 
sailing vessel requiring a fresh breeze to keep under command. 

Tidal signals. —There is a tide signal staff at the outer end of 
Santa Catalina Mole. 

Directions. —From the westward, bound to Gijon, in bad weather, 
give Cape Penas a berth of 5 or 6 miles to avoid the heavy sea off it. 
With southwesterly winds pass between the cape and Somos Llungo 
Shoal, or even borrow on Romanella Rock if the water be smooth. 

From the eastward keep at least 4 mile from Cerro de Santa 
Catalina in passing, especially if there is any sea, to clear Sarrapio 
de Mar, taking care, in a sailing vessel with the wind from the east¬ 
ward, not to run too far to leeward before receiving a pilot. The 
marks for crossing the bar, the supports of the red lights on Santa 


Catalina and Fomento Moles in line bearing 172° are not easily made 
out, and a pilot,is necessary to enter the port. 

Fishermen and coasters, when the sea is too heavy to cross the bar, 
take the Carrero Channel, between Serrapio de Tierra and Yendaval 
Shoals. There is more water in it than on the bar, but it is very 
narrow, and when the sea is heavy there is scarcely room for a large 


boat. 

Vessels in the port requiring hawsers for mooring may hire them 
from the board of works of the port and some private firms. 

The town of Gijon is rapidly increasing in industrial and com¬ 
mercial importance. It now extends from Piles River on the east to 
Cerro Corona on the west and had, in 1010 a population of 52,226. 
There are no special customhouse or quarantine regulations. 

Hospital. —There is a hospital for seamen. 

Trade—Shipping. —The principal articles of export from Gijon 
are apples, iron ore, coal, preserved fish, glassware, nuts, and zinc, 
and of import cereals, iron and machinery, pitch, tar, wood, and 
artificial manures. In 1911, 486,505 tons of Asturian coal were 
shipped coastwise, and in 1913, 181 steam vessels of 318,768 tons and 


484 


GIJON. 


12 sailing vessels of 1,247 tons, entered the port. Trade is mainly 
carried on by coasting steamers. \ 

Communication by steamer is very uncertain and unsatisfactory. 
Steamers sail to Santander several times a week; to Coruna, Vigo, 
Bilbao, and Cadiz at frequent intervals; to London and Liverpool, by 
Messrs. Me Andrew’s Line, occasionally. Spanish steamers run regu¬ 
larly from Liverpool, London, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Marseille, and 
Bordeaux. The Neptune Line of German steamers from Antwerp 
touch here and at other ports on the coast. There is also railroad and 
telegraphic communication. The construction of a railroad to Ferrol 
has been sanctioned; also one to Rivadesella. 

Supplies. —Provisions may be obtained at the market. Water is 
laid on to the moles, and it is taken to vessels that are not alongside 
in floating tanks. 

Coal.— About 600 tons of Asturian coal are kept in store; any 
quantity can be supplied in the port. 

Repairs.—There are workshops capable of executing repairs to 
the largest vessels that frequent the port. 

Dock.— There is a dry dock at Gijon. (See Appendix II.) 

Musel Harbor.— In Musel Bay, on the western side of Gijon Bay, 
works are in progress for the formation of a port of refuge and com¬ 
mercial harbor. The port is now used for the shipment of coal and 
minerals; there are 2 loading tips. Railroads connect Verina, Car- 
reno, and Sotiello with the port of Musel. The loading tips now at 
work are capable of dealing with very large quantities of coal per 
day, and steamers of large tonnage and of any draft are being char¬ 
tered to load for the Mediterranean ports. 

The work necessary for making this port available for the dis¬ 
charge of general merchandise is in progress, the operations at the 
port hitherto having been confined to the loading of coal and iron 
ore, and consequently a considerable part of the grain and other mer¬ 
chandise imported has been brought on to Gijon from other ports, 
but it was calculated that in July, 1912, the work would be far 
enough advanced to permit direct importation. 

The construction of the breakwater and other parts of the harbor 
is steadily progressing and the breakwater now affords sufficient pro¬ 
tection to the trans-Atlantic liners calling at the port. 

The harbor will have 6 projecting quays, the northern of which 
is complete, with deep water alongside, and will have railroad lines 
laid on it. At the northern end of the harbor Rivera Mole is about 
600 yards in length and is provided with warehouses. There is an 
electric-light station. 

Breakwater. —The North Breakwater projects eastward from the 
shore for a short distance and then curves southward, the outer por¬ 
tion being straight in a 147° direction. When finished the break- 


GIJON. 


485 


water will be about 1,600 yards in length; at present (1909) about 
500 yards remain to complete. The railroad is led on to the break¬ 
water for a distance of about 600 yards. The work of completion 
progresses slowly. 

The South Breakwater will start from the shore about 0.9 mile 
southward from the inner end of the North Breakwater and will be 
J mile in length in a 60° direction. 

The entrance to the harbor between the ends of the breakwaters 
will be toward the south-southeast and will be 200 yards in width. 

Light buoy.—A conical light buoy, painted black, exhibiting a 
fixed green light, now marks the southeastern side of the outer ex¬ 
tremity of North Breakwater works. 

Directions. —The light buoy is the starboard mark for vessels 
entering the port rounding the breakwater works. 

Light. —A light is exhibited from an iron column on the parapet 
of the North Breakwater. (See Light List.) 

Cranes. —On the North Breakwater are three cranes of 30, 5, and 
2 tons lifting power, respectively. On the quay near the customhouse 
is a 15-ton crane. 

Trade. —During the year 1908, 155,970 tons of coal were shipped 
at the port of Musel. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat and rocket apparatus are maintained at 
Musel Harbor on the western side of the Bay of Gijon. 

Directions.— The harbor affords shelter from northerly winds at 
all times of tide to vessels of 25 feet draft or less. Care must be 
taken to anchor clear of the works under construction. 

The light buoy is the starboard mark for vessels entering the port, 
rounding the breakwater works. 


Cabo de Torres. —The name of this cape is derived from the land 
terminating on its sea face in steep, rugged, rocky pinnacles, in the 
shape of towers. A craggy islet, named Orrio, is detached from its 
northern point, leaving a passage inside it for boats. The sea breaks 
in heavy weather a short distance northeastward from the eastern 
point of the cape. 

The coast from Cape Torres trends to the south-south westward 
and continues high, steep, and of a reddish appearance to the eastern 
termination of an elevated sandy plain of some extent, named Abono, 
which commences at the mouth of the river of that name, and from 


its whiteness is visible from some distance. Abono River enters the 
sea by a steep beach about f mile from the cape, and in fine weather 
at high water is frequented by boats. Thence the coast trends in a 
northwesterly direction, and continues steep, with rocky points and 
small patches of beach, for about 2.2 miles to Peran Point, a low, 
rugged projection, with a little river on its eastern side. 


LUANCO. 


480 


Candas Bay.—San Antonio Point, 1 mile northwest of Peran 
Point, is high, steep, and of a triangular form, with a hermitage on 
its summit. Between these points is Candas Bay, capable of receiv¬ 
ing small vessels; but in bad weather there is a heavy sea in all this 
locality. 

In the western part of Candas Bay, between San Antonio Point 
and San Sebastian Point, which is higher, of the same rugged nature 
and color, and lying 400 yards southward, there is a rocky ravine, 
which recedes to the w 7 est, and in which is Candas Village. A small 
semicircular pebble beach, surrounded by two curved moles, each 
about 160 yards long, with an opening 65 feet w 7 ide facing the south¬ 
east, forms the little port of Candas, which shelters 30 or 40 fishing 
boats at high water. It dries at low 7 tide, and in bad w 7 eather the ap¬ 
proach is difficult, being beset by rocks known only to the fishermen. 

Dangers.—Castanar Shoal, w 7 ith If fathoms over it, dangerous on 
account of its distance offshore and its heavy breakers, lies 1.7 miles 
91° from San Antonio Point and 1 mile from Cape Torres. It is not 
very extensive, but steep-to. 

Sierra de Santa 'Olalla Shoal, lying 1.5 miles 91° from the point, 
has If fathoms water over it, the lead falling at once into 7 and 8 
fathoms, which depth continues to the shore. The sea breaks heavily 
on this shoal. 

Sierra Shoal, lying about 1 mile 120° from the point, is of small 
extent, with If fathoms over it; and farther eastward is Peton Rock, 
which only breaks in heavy seas. 

Covanin Shoal, a rocky head of small extent, with 5 feet over it 
and 6 to 10 fathoms round it, lies 4 mile 58° from San Antonio Point. 

# / w 

The bottom is sandy between all these shoals. 

Light.—From a dark-gray iron column, 35 feet high, with an iron 
keeper’s box at its base, on the Pena de los Angeles, situated close to 
the shore about 250 yards southeastward of Candas Village, is ex- 
hibited, 56 feet above high water, an occulting wdiite light, visible 9 
miles. (See Light List.) 

The coast.—A short distance w T est-northw 7 estward of San Antonio 
Point is Cuerno de Candas Point, and between is a small bight with 
reddish cliffs and full of rocks. Cuerno Point is high, steep, and pro¬ 
jecting to the north-northeast, and on its outer part are the ruins of a 
battery and guardhouse. Between it and Cabrito Point, less than 1 
mile west-northwestward, is San Pedro Bay, with a beach, in which 
fishermen find shelter from west-northwesterly winds. Cabrito Point 
is low 7 and fringed with rocks, of which the Cabrito is 20 yards off¬ 
shore, covered at high w T ater, with a passage inside it for boats. 

Luanco Bay.—Westward of Cabrito Point is Luanco Point, rocky, 
with rocks named Pena Cercada, Lleixa, Pegollo, and Espiga, ex¬ 
tending about 600 yards northward of it. The largest of these rocks 


LUANCO. 


487 


is Pena Cercada, which is isolated at high water, and on it is a hermit¬ 
age. Between this point and Castillo Point, about f mile to the 
northward, is Luanco Bay. On Castillo Point are the ruins of a 
castle and off it are some rocks, the outer of which is El Peon, with 
a reef around it. Southwestward of the point is the small bay of La 
Espera, where fishing boats .remain while the bar is impracticable. 
The southern point of the bay, Punta del Gayo, has rocks extending 
100 yards eastward of it. At the head of the bay is the town and 
port of Luanco. 

Entrance—Depths.— The entrance to the bay is obstructed to the 
southward by the rocks extending from Luanco Point, and it is 
further divided into two channels by Juan de Melao Shoal, on which 
there is a depth of 16 feet water. The depth in the channels grad¬ 
ually decreases from 27 to 18 and 9 feet. 

Buoy.— A mooring buoy lies in 29 feet of water, 500 yards south- 
southeastward of Castillo Point, for the use of the fishing boats. 

Luanco Port.— The so-called port is formed by a little mole, 
which curves to the southwest, and the space inclosed by it is so lim¬ 
ited that it will only berth a few small vessels. It dries at low water, 
but vessels are not injured by grounding, the bottom being muddy 
sand. A nortwesterly sea sends in a swell at high water. 

Supplies.— Excellent water is obtained from a mountain north¬ 
westward of the church. Provisions are plentiful. Small repairs 
can be executed. 

The principal exports are grain, timber, and salt provisions. 

Pilots.— A pilot boards a vessel on her approaching the bay. 

Directions.— To enter the bay, passing between Juan de Melao 
Shoal on the north and Espiga Rock on the south, steer in with the 
northern side of the palace, a conspicuous building, in line with the 
mole head, bearing 255°, give a berth of less than 200 yards to the 
point on w T hich the church is situated, from which shoal water ex¬ 
tends eastward 135 yards, and anchor in about 2^ fathoms, sand. 

Range lights.—The following fixed red range lights lead into 
Luanco Harbor: 

Front light: Fourteen feet above the sea and visible 4 miles; is ex¬ 
hibited on a black support 9 feet high on the head of the mole. 

Rear light: Twenty-five feet above the sea and visible 4 miles; is 
located 246 yards 255° from the front light on a black support 20 
feet high on the shore line, near Conde de Penalba Palace. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at Luanco at 3h.; 
springs rise 12J feet, neaps 9J feet, varying according to the direction 
of the wind. 

The coast from Castillo Point trends northward to Vaca de Luanco 
Point, which lies about 1.5 miles northward of Cabrito Point, and is 
21235°—17-32 



488 


LUANCO. 


a high promontory, projecting to the northeast, with cliffs of rugged 
rocks. About 100 yards northward of Vaca Point is Chato Rock, 
which is steep-to, covered at high water, and there is a deep passage 
between it and the shore. 

The coast westward of Yaca Point is high and precipitous as far 
as Aguillon Point, which is flat and projects to the east-northeast¬ 
ward, and a short distance from it is a rock. Between these points 
there is an intermediate point, which, with Vaca Point, forms Mo- 
niello Bay, over half a mile across, and at its head is a rivulet of the 
same name. 

Banugues Bay.— Nearly J mile west-northwestward of Aguillon 
Point is Sabugo Point, and between the coast recedes 1 mile to the 
southward and forms Banugues Bay, terminating in a beach, through 
which the little Banugues River runs into the sea. The bay has 
numerous rocks in it, and is only used by fishing boats. 

Sabugo Point, a little more than 2 miles southeastward from Cape 
Penas, is low and rugged, with a reef extending off it, terminating 
in Corbeiro Rock, which is always above water, and boats may pass 
between it and the shore in fine weather. Thence the coast is rugged 
and fringed with rocks to Narvata Point, the southeastern extremity 
of Llumeres Bay. 

Llumeres Bay.— Narvata Point is steep, of moderate height, and 
a rocky reef extends from it. Narvata field terminates at the point 
and on the highest part is a ruined castle. Llumeres Bay, situated 
between Narvata Point and Castro Islet, is spacious, with a clean 
beach of coarse dark sand. The southern shore of the bay is high, 
steep, and bold, but the northern shore is beset with rocks. A small 
stream falls into the bay, near which is Viodo Village. 

This bay is sheltered by Cape Penas from the heavy west-north¬ 
westerly seas, and is a good place of refuge in southwesterly winds. 
In case of necessity, lives may be saved by running the boats into 
the smooth water between Castro Islet and the beach. Coasting 

o 

vessels frequent the bay for the iron ore which falls from the cliffs 
and anchor near the shore in 7 to 9 fathoms, sand, but this anchorage, 
being open to the northeast, must be left the moment the wind 
threatens to blow from seaward. 

Castro Islet is high, round, and separated from the main by a 
channel full of rocks. From the islet the coast continues, in steep 
cliffs and forming a bight northwestward of Cape Penas. 


CHAPTER IX. 


COAST OF SPAIN—CAPE PENAS TO CAPE TORI NANA. 

Caution. —Mariners approaching the north and northwest coasts 
of Spain in thick weather, especially from the northward, should 
obtain soundings which furnish a safe • guide in due time. The 
soundings must be continuous,- frequent, and depths of at least TO 
fathoms reached at each cast till bottom is obtained. 

Winds.— In the vicinity of Cape Penas contrary winds are fre¬ 
quent. A vessel will sometimes make the cape with a strong north¬ 
easterly or easterly wind and find the wind westerly or southwesterly 
near the land, the reverse occuring with westerly or southwesterly 
winds. In summer the prevailing winds are easterly, with some 
interruptions of westerly, at times accompanied with rain. In winter 
southerly to westerly winds prevail. These bring dirty weather, 
blow strong for three or more days, with heavy showers, until in a 
hard squall the wind veers to the northwest and the weather clears 
up. These southerly winds, when they blow hard, make great havoc 
among the coasters, and the heavy sea thrown on the coast by the 
northwesters completely closes the ports. 

The northers, called Travesias, are prevalent between December 
and March, and do not usually last over three days. A sailing vessel 
caught in one on this coast should stand to the eastward, as the 
trend of the land on the eastern side of the cape is a little southward 
and the wind generally ends at northeast. 

Currents.— The general direction of the current off the cape is to 
the eastward, particularly in winter. In summer it sometimes runs 
to the westward, especially during the prevalence of northeasterly 
winds. The flood tidal stream sets east-southeastward, the ebb south- 
southwestward. 

Cape Penas.—Cape Penas is the eastern point of the headland 
which projects northward from the general line of coast. This head¬ 
land, which is generally known as Cape Penas, is named Pedregal 
by the natives, from the numerous rocks by which it is surrounded. 
Its northern face is about a mile in extent east and west, 330 feet 
above the sea, and presents three rugged precipitous points. 

Cape Penas, being one of the most salient points of this coast, is 
easily made from either direction, either by its light at night or 
appearance by day. Besides projecting considerably to the north¬ 
ward, the surface of this promontory is level to the foot of the high 

489 



490 


CAPE PENAS. 


land which continues along and 3 or 4 miles within the coast of 
Asturias. Its cliffs present a whitish hue of quartz, of which it is 
partly composed, and there are a few groves of trees and houses on it, 

Gaviera Islet lies off the cape, with a boat channel between. At the 
western extremity of the headland is the large pinnacle rock, Agudo 
del Sabin, or Penas, connected to the mainland. On the north¬ 
western side of the Agudo is a large, deep cave, which from a dis¬ 
tance has the appearance of a chapel. 

Light. —On Cape Penas, near the edge of the cliffs, an alternating 
fixed and flashing light is exhibited from a circular white tower 
26 feet high at an elevation of 340 feet above high water; the fixed 
white light is visible 16 miles, the -white flash 25 miles, and the 
red flash 22 miles. The keeper’s dwelling, painted white, is a short 
distance northward of the lighthouse. 

The following are the principal dangers around the headland: 

Somos Llungo Bank lies 53° from Cape Penas Lighthouse, and 
is distant 3 miles from Gaviera Islet. There are from 12 to 15 
fathoms water over it, with 27 to 36 fathoms around, and it is 
steep-to, the lead falling immediately into deep water, especially 
on its northeastern side, which seems to be nearlv vertical. Toward 

j %j 

the land the bottom is more inclined, there being 33 fathoms near 
the bank and 27 fathoms near Romanelle Rock. In bad weather 
the sea breaks heavily on the bank. 

Dangers off Cape Penas. —Several sharp rocky heads extend 
north-northeastward from Cape Penas; and a chain of reefs, with 
little water over them at high tide, extends northward with Gaviera 
Islet in line with the cape, and terminates in the Romanella, a pin-' 
nacle rock, which dries at low water, and from which the middle 
of Erbosa Isle bears 246°. Between this rock and the reefs there is a 
narrow channel, occasionally used by coasters, and there are boat 
channels between the reefs. Romanella Rock is only dangerous at 
night or when the sea is smooth, as it shows by the breakers on it 
when there is any swell. 

Erbosa Isle, lying off the western part of this headland, 300 
yards northward of Agudo del Sabin Rock, is of moderate height, 
steep, and rocky. On its southwestern side there is a natural arch, 
through which boats pass in moderate weather. Between the islet 
and Agudo del Sabin there are numerous rocks, with channels, 
through which coasters pass, but only in moderate weather and with 
local knowledge, for with very little sea the whole passage breaks, 
and the currents are strong. 

Bravo, a rugged islet of conical form, lies 100 yards northeastward 
of Erbosa Isle. Monista, a similar islet, lies a short distance north¬ 
ward of it, and there are numerous small rocks westward of Erbosa 
Isle, of which the Corberas, five in number, are always above water. 


i 


CABO NEGRO. 


491 


Los Conos.—There are also 3 sunken rocks, named Los Conos, 
the most dangerous of which lies nearly j mile northward of Erbosa 
Isle, with 3-J fathoms water over it. Its position is pointed out in fine 
weather by the ripple over it and in bad weather by the breakers. 
Between this rock and Erbosa Isle there are 19 fathoms water. The 
two other rocks are close northeastward of Bravo Islet. Both show 
between heavy seas. 

Directions.—Vessels from the westward, in fine weather or with 
southwesterly winds may run between Somos Llungo Bank and the 
cape and may borrow toward Romanella Rock, passing 1 mile out¬ 
side Gaviera and Bravo Islets, in 30 to 40 fathoms water; but in bad 
weather the cape should be given a berth of 5 or 6 miles, not only to 
avoid the breakers on Somos Llungo Bank, but also the heavy sea 
over the uneven bottom, which extends a considerable distance oft' 
the land. The 100-fathom curve passes about 12 miles north-north¬ 
westward of Cape Penas. To clear Conos Rocks from the westward 
keep Vaca de Luanco Cape open of the rocks off Cape Penas, bearing 
129°, and from the eastward keep well northward until Erbosa Isle 
is open of Gaviera Islet, then continue westward. 

The coast from Agudo del Sabin Rock, the western extremity of 
Cape Penas, trends about a mile southward to Ratin or Areas Point, 
which is low, rugged, and foul. At the point an extensive beach 
commences, which terminates abreast Bermea Islet. The beach is 
named Verdicio Sands, and in the bay which it forms coasting ves¬ 
sels anchor for shelter from northeasterly winds in any convenient 
depth, but generally in about 12 fathoms, fine sand, with Gaviera 
Islet in line with Erbosa Channel, a position from which they can 
make sail and clear the land. The whole bay is clean. Vessels must 
not be caught in it with an on-shore wind. 

Bermea Islet, so named from its reddish appearance, is rugged and 
lies 200 yards from the beach, with a clear channel T fathoms deep 
between. Westward of this islet, on the eastern side of Llampera 
Point, is a small cove named Llampera Port, sheltered from the 
sea by the point and some rocks for which the fishermen of Luanco, 
Candas, and Aviles run for shelter in bad weather and haul their 
boats up on a small shingle beach. Llampera Point is low and 
craggy, with an islet and some rocks off it. 

Cabo Negro.—From Llampera Point a bold coast trends south¬ 
ward and westward, forming a bight to Cabo Negro. The cape is. 
high and precipitous. At its foot are some rocks which uncover 
and a shoal of small extent awash at low water, but it may be passed 
at a distance of J mile. 

From Cabo Negro a steep and sinuous coast runs southward to a 
rocky projection, named Home Point, between which and Forcada 


492 


AVILES RIVER. 


Point, situated 2 miles southwestward from Cape Negro, is Chaon 
Bay, bounded by an extensive beach interspersed with rocks. Kor¬ 
ea da Point is bold on the western and southern sides, rocky, and 
salient. Moro Rock, awash at low water, is close-to on the north side. 
About 300 yards southeastward of Forcada Point is Barra Point and 
the mouth of Aviles River. 

Aviles River.—Between Barra Point and Espartal Sands to the 
southward is the bar and mouth of Aviles River, which forms an 
extensive inlet reaching about 4 miles inland. Its entrance is open 
to the westward, and with much sea the bar breaks. In the approach 
to the river from the westward 2 10-fathom patches, named Rio 
and Aguin Rocks, lie about 400 and 750 yards, respectively, west¬ 
ward from Forcada Point, with 12 and 14 fathoms between them. 

Bar—Depth.—The depth on the bar is not constant, but in 1909 
it was 17 feet at low-water and 29 feet at high-water springs. 

The channel, which is 100 yards wide, lies in a 102° direction, and 
is formed between two nearly parallel moles from the bar to near 
San Juan Village, a distance of about | mile; the depth in it is 10 
feet at low-water and 22 feet at high-water springs. 

Light.—Near Barra Point, at the northern side of Aviles River 
entrance, from an octagonal yellow tower 49 feet high a fixed red 
light, visible 6 miles, is exhibited at an elevation of 131 feet above 
high water. (See Light List.) 

Anchorage.—In fine weather temporary anchorage can be ob¬ 
tained outside Aviles Bar, about 100 yards offshore, or farther out, 
between Forcada Point and Castillo Rock, in 7 to 9 fathoms, sand. 
This anchorage is abreast the entrance to Llonga Cove and is shel¬ 
tered from easterly winds, but it should be used with caution and 
only while waiting tide to enter the river. Sailing vessels should 
not remain there at night. 

At the anchorage near San Juan small vessels lie afloat at low 
water, but it is seldom or never used 

Dangers—Northern side of channel—Beacons.—Aranon 
Rock, about i mile within the entrance, off Aranon Point and close 
to the Northern Mole, is marked by a white beacon; and a rock, 
about 200 yards east-southeastward and near the same mole, by a 
black beacon. The Northern Mole has two openings in it to enable 
boats to enter Aranon Cove and Emballo Ba}^ 

Southern side—Buoy.—On the southern side of the channel, 
about \ mile from the bar, is Osa Rock, marked by a white buoy; 
and a rocky shoal, named Rechalda, extends across the channel from 
Osa Rock to Caballo Rock. This shoal has been partly removed. 

Lights.—On the Northern Mole off Aranon Point a fixed white 
light is shown, and on the same mole opposite Osa Rock another 
fixed white light. On the Southern Mole, abreast Osa Rock, a fixed 


AVILES RIVER. 


493 


green light; on the curve of West Quay, at entrance of basin, a fixed 
green light. On East Quay, at entrance of basin, a fixed red light 
is exhibited. (See Light List.) 

The Southern Mole is also marked by 13 fixed white lights, 93 yards 
apart, the outer one being 20 yards within the head of the completed 
portion of the breakwater. (See Light List.) 

San Juan Basin.—Near San Juan Village there is a tidal basin 
on the left or opposite bank of the river, which has an area of about 
27 acres, a length of quays of 1,307 yards, and a depth of 14 feet, 
muddy sand, at low-water and 26 feet at high-water springs. Its 
entrance is 262 feet in width. 

There are 2 cranes of 30 tons, 2 of 3 tons, and 2 of 1J tons. 

There is railway communication with Aviles. 

Supplies.—Coal and water can be procured at San Juan Basin. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat is stationed in Aviles River; also a 
rocket apparatus. 

Pilots.—There are 6 pilots at the river, and the} r are provided 
with boats to render any assistance required. It is compulsory for 
merchant vessels to take a pilot, and mariners requiring one should 
make the pilot signal on sighting the lighthouse. 

Signal station—Pilot signals: 


By day. 

Meaning. 

By night. 

Two cones, vertical, base to base.. 

Entrance to port prohibited.. 

3 red lights, vertical. 

Two balls, vertical. 

Approach the port with due precautions. The 
pilot is at the entrance and signals will be 

2 white lights, ver- 

tical. 

One cone, vertex upward. 

made from the launch. 

Do not attempt entrance until this signal is 

2 red lights, vertical. 

One cone, vertex downward. 

Onp hall . 

lowered. 

Entrance to basin only prohibited. 

Pilot is coming out. 

1 red light. 

1 white light. 




These signals are hoisted at the yardarm of the yard on the lookout 
hut, near the Barra Point Lighthouse. 

International code signals are hoisted at the masthead. 

Isolated flags seen at the yardarms have no significance for vessels, 
being signals agreed upon between pilots and the lookout. 

Directions.—The pilots go out of Aviles River in favorable 
weather when a vessel is seen in the offing. Steer for the entrance at 
a little before high water and keep the land aboard between Forcada 
and Barra Points (Barra Point is under the lighthouse). When past 
Barra Point keep the middle of the channel between the moles, giv¬ 
ing a sufficient berth to the beacons. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, on the bar of Aviles 
River at 3h., and an hour later at Aviles town; ordinary springs 
rise 12 feet. The rise is about 2 feet more with southwesterly and 
northwesterly winds, according to their strength, and the contrary 
















494 


AVILES RIVER. 


with winds from the opposite quarters. Abreast the town the ebb 
stream runs 8^ hours, the flood 4 hours. The river is not subject to 
freshets and the greatest velocity of the stream does not exceed 4 
knots. 

Aviles River above San Juan.—From near San Juan the chan¬ 
nel passes between two moles southward to Aviles town, about 3 
miles within the entrance. This part of the channel has a width of 
70 to 30 yards, and it can be navigated at high water by vessels of 
5 to 12 feet draft, according to the state of the tide. Vessels at the 
town lie alongside the moles on mud. 

Aviles town, on the left bank of the river, has a population of 
11,000 inhabitants. It contains the only buildings on the river 
except the little village of San Juan, the storehouses, offices of the 
mining companies, the railway station, and other buildings in the 
vicinity of the basin. A branch railroad runs from Aviles to Villa- 
bona, on the main line between Gijon and Oviedo. Provisions can 
be obtained in the locality. 

Trade.—In 1911, 256,750 tons of Asturian coal were shipped from 
Aviles River to Spanish ports. The principal imports are cereals 
and mining machinery. 

Aviles Bay.—The deep bight between Cabo Negro and Deva 
Islet is dangerous with northwesterly winds when they blow strong, 
for the sea gets up on the numerous rocky banks within it, and a sail¬ 
ing vessel would be in great danger of being embaj^ed, the only means 
of shelter being to take Aviles Bar if the tide admits, but the bar is 
usually rendered unsafe by the heavy sea. 

Espartal Sands.—The extensive sandy plain of Espartal begins 
southward of Aviles River entrance, and from its height and white¬ 
ness it may be seen from some distance. It terminates westward in 
the low, rocky Requeixo Point, the extremity of a steep height. On 
the plain and near the sea is a tramway from the mines of Arnao 
to the quay of San Juan Basin. 

Westward of Requeixo Point is Arnao Beach. The town of Arnao 
is on a hill near the sea and the mines are under the cliffs of a 
salient point westward of the beach. The houses and chimneys of 
Arnao factories are visible from seaward and a little eastward of 
them those of the zinc works. 

Ladrona Islet is off the eastern point of Santa Maria del Mar Bay, 
which is a deep bay with a hamlet on the side of the high land 
forming its shores. Correal Bay, the next bay to the westward, at 
the head of which is a sandy beach, extends to Rayo Point. 

Rayo or Vidrias Point, 4.3 miles west-southwestward of Forcada 
Point, is high and steep, with Moro Rock off it, which is nearly awash 
at high water. 


RIA DE PRAVIA. 


495 


Anuales Reef, on which the sea breaks heavily, stretches nearly 
a mile northward from Kayo Point, with channels between the rocks. 
On its outer end are 7 fathoms Avater and 16 to 22 fathoms around 
it. Several heads sIioav themselves at low water. Eastward of this 
is Peton Shoal, a rocky head with 4| fathoms water over it, which 
breaks when there is much sea. In approaching Aviles River from 
the westward keep the lighthouse at the river entrance bearing south¬ 
ward of 102° until past the line of Rayo Point in one with Bay as 
Church. 

About J mile northeastward of Peton Shoal is a 7-fathom patch. 

Deva Islet.—From Rayo Point, a high precipitous coast, with 
patches of sandy beach bordered with rocks, runs in a westerly direc¬ 
tion for 1 mile to Gogollo Point, 400 yards northeastAvard of which 
is Deva Islet, high and surrounded Avith rocks. There is a navigable 
channel for small craft betAveen it and the main, but local knoAvledge 
is necessary to use it. Deva Islet is conspicuous. 

Cogollo Point projects to the northwest and forms, with Espiritu 
Santo Point, about 2.2 miles southwestward, the bight in which are 
the beach named Bayes, Avith some scattered rocks off it, and the Ria 
de Pravia. Cogollo Point has also some rocks off it, but they are 
sufficiently bold to enable coasters to pass them at a short distance. 

Ria de Pravia.—This beautiful estuary, of so much importance 
from the large exports of timber that come down the Nalon—a river 
discharging into the Pravia—is accessible at high Avater to vessels of 
15 feet draft, which lie afloat abreast San Esteban village, situated 
on the left bank of the river J mile within the bar. 

The eastern side of the estuary is formed by the Playa de los 
Quebrantes, from which shoal Avater extends over 300 yards north¬ 
ward, and on which the village of San Juan de la Arena is situated. 
Southward of the playa is the Blanco Llain de Aba jo. 

Punta del Espiritu Santo is the Avestern entrance point of 
Pravia River, and on it about 135 yards from its extremity is Espiritu 
Santo Hermitage, 195 feet above the sea. There are several rocks 
extending 300 yards northward and a short distance eastward from 
the point. The western bank of the inlet as far San Esteban trends 
south-southwestward and is elevated, attaining a height of 297 feet 
within about 200 yards of the shore. 

Juan Garcia, a rock with 16 feet on it at Ioav Avater, is charted 
about 250 yards north-northeastward of Punto del Espiritu Santo 
and 70 yards eastward of Lladrona Rock. It is said to lie 100 yards 
from this position. 

Bar—Depth.—The bar, which is situated northeastAvard of 
Espiritu Santo Point, had in 1909 a depth of 9 feet over it at Ioav- 
Avater springs, 19 to 20 feet at high-water neaps, and 21 to 22 feet 
at high-water springs. It is composed of sand. Lamparon Rock, 


EIA DE PR AVIA. 


496 

eastward of Espiritu Santo Point, which formerly uncovered, has 
been removed and has a depth of 10 feet over it at low-water springs. 
The channel of the bar, which is of sand, shifts a little, but always 
remains on the western side near the rocks. The depth on it increases 
after floods in the river and decreases with a gale from seaward. In 
1908 a steamer of 3,600 tons displacement was unable to leave the 
port for more than a month owing to insufficient water on the bar. 

Within the bar the channel runs south-southwestward along the 
western side of the river, with depths in it of 8 to 20 feet at low 
water as far as the port of San Esteban, which is a bay where vessels 
of little draft secure alongside a mole, and larger vessels moor four 
abreast off the mole, with their heads up the harbor, in depths of 16 
to 26 feet. This port is sheltered from westerly winds by Espiritu 
Santo Hills. 

Breakwater. —A breakwater is being constructed from Espiritu 
Santo Point to Lladrona Rock, the outermost rock off the point, a 
distance of 250 yards to the northward, with the object of confining 
the strong current of the river and deepening the bar. The work is 
well advanced. 

Pilot. —There is a pilot at San Esteban, and the fishermen of San 
Juan de la Arena, a village on the right bank about 600 yards 
within the bar, have good boats, with which they assist sailing ves¬ 
sels to enter or leave the port. 

Directions. —A pilot should be taken both for entering and 
leaving Pravia River. If the bar can be crossed, the pilot goes out 
on a vessel approaching. The best time to enter is about 2 hours 
before high water. 

The bar is impassable with heavy seas, and only with winds from 
east-southeast, through north, to west-northwest, should it be taken 
by a sailing vessel. With a west-northwesterly wind it must be 
crossed on the flood, for the wind will be scant and squally near the 
land. 

To enter bring the tower of the castle in line with a square one¬ 
storied house with a kind of balcony, situated on a wooded hill to 
the southward, bearing 175°, and, when nearing Lladrona Rock, 
open the house a little eastward of the castle tower until past Lam- 
paron and the hermitage on Espiritu Santo Point bears 271°, when 
keep about 50 yards from the western bank of the river, in from 9 
to 22 feet at low water, anchoring abreast the village. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, 
on the bar of Pravia River at 3 h.; springs rise 12 to 13 feet, neaps 
about 10 to 11 feet. With westerly winds the rise may be 3 feet 
higher, there being with these winds frequently 21J feet on the bar, 
while with easterly winds there is sometimes 13 feet. The mean 


i 


RTA DE PR A VI A. 497 

velocity of the stream over the bar is about 4 knots, increasing to 5 
knots, and even more, on the ebb, at the time of the freshes. 

San Esteban de Pravia village is small, built on the slope of the 
hills, and has a population of 228. 

A new port is being constructed; it will consist of a basin with an 
area of about 47 acres, with 985 yards of wharfage, and having 
depths varying from 16 to 21 feet at low water springs. There are 
coal tips, one of which is capable of shipping 100 tons an hour. 

About 0.8 mile southeastward of San Esteban is the castle, an old 
and ruinous building, with its front covered with ivy, on the top of a 
hillock, southward of which are the Castillo and Soto del Barco 
villages, which are in communication by means of an iron bridge 
across the river. 

Trade. —The improved facilities for shipment at this port have 
contributed considerably to the increased demand for Asturian coal; 
in 1911, 235,988 tons of coal were shipped coastwise from San Esteban 
de Pravia. 

Communication. —A railroad is to be constructed which will 
connect with Ferrol to the westward and Irun to the eastward via 
Oviedo, Rivadesella, and Santander. There is at present a line to 
Oviedo. 

Supplies. —At San Esteban village water can be obtained from a 
fountain. Provisions are scarce, but they can be procured at Muros, 
1.5 miles distant. 

Coast. —About 2.2 miles westward from the entrance of the Pravia 
is the lighthouse on Rovallera Point, which forms the eastern side of 
the little port of Cudillero. There are several rocks lying a short 
distance off this part of the coast. Senorio, the outermost, with 4 feet 
over it at low water, is 600 yards northward of Jurada Point, and 
there are 3J to 4 fathoms between it and the point. Erbosa Islet, 
open northward of Deva Islet, leads outside this rock. 

Light.—On Rovallera Point, from a square white tower 15 feet 
high, a fixed white light visible 9 miles in clear weather is exhibited 
95 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Puerto Cudillero is an opening in the cliffs, sheltered on the west 
by a chain of dark islets called Colinas, which extends some distance 
northward. A mole running eastward and westward, with a narrow 
entrance close to the rocks, is all that affords shelter. The port dries 
at low water and is only adapted for fishing vessels, which, on the 
approach of bad weather, are run upon the beach. The inhabitants, 
numbering 1,939, are nearly all employed in the fishery, which is 
carried on at distances of 30 to 40 miles offshore and in a great depth. 

Light. —A fixed red lantern light is shown from the mole head. 
(See Light List.) 


498 


ARTEDO BAY. 


Artedo Bay—Anchorage. —Artedo Bay, about 1.5 miles west¬ 
ward of Cudillero, is nearly a mile wide at its entrance, \ mile deep, 
and alfords a good summer anchorage for all classes of vessels in 7 to 
9 fathoms, sandy bottom, sheltered from southwesterly and north¬ 
westerly winds; but in winter a vessel would be exposed not only to 
the sea that rolls in from the northwest but also to the risk of a sud¬ 
den shift of wind to the northeast. A good berth for a large vessel 
is in 9 fathoms, off a white mark in the cliffs on the western side of 
the bay, with Santa Ana Hermitage bearing 174°, distant 300 yards 
from the shore. There is a clean beach at the head of the bay. 

Santa Ana or Montares Mount is south of the bay, and has a white 
hermitage on its eastern slope. 

Rabion Islet, high and rocky, lies J mile westward of the western 
point of Artedo Bay. It is connected to the main by a chain of rocks, 
and several rocks extend northeastward from it, all of which con¬ 
tribute to shelter Artedo Bay from the northwestward. Rabion 
Point is the extreme end of the rocks extending from the islet, and 
ill bad weather a berth of at least a mile should be given to it, for 
the sea runs high there and half way across the mouth of the bay. 

The coast west-northwestward of Rabion Islet, between it and 
Cabo Yidio, forms 2 bays, named Oleiro and San Pedro, separated 
by a high headland, off which are rocks and detached dangers. San 
Pedro, the western bay, is the larger and has a clean beach. 

Light .—A small fixed red light is exhibited from the coast about 
4 mile eastward of Cabo Vidio, when the fishermen of Cudillero are 
at sea. (See Light List.) 

Cabo Vidio is of moderate height, level, and terminates with not 
very steep cliffs. Chouzano or Lozano, a high conical islet, lies about 
40 yards off the cape, with passage between for boats. The islet, and 
also the cape, is composed of white stratified rocks. Two hundred 
yards outside the islet is Chouzanin, a sunken rock. There is a depth 
of 6 fathoms about J mile northwest of the cape. 

The coast between Cabo Yidio and Cabo Busto, nearly 10 miles to 
the westward, may be passed at the distance of a mile in fine weather 
without risk in 20 to 30 fathoms, rocky bottom. The cliffs are 230 
to 280 feet high, the land rising 2 or 3 miles inland to the mountain 
range. There are breaks in the cliff more or less deep, with small 
beaches, which boats can only approach under favorable circum¬ 
stances. 

A few rocks lie off the coast. The most remarkable and farthest 
off are the Negras, so called from their dark appearance. They are 
low, 600 to 800 yards off shore, with a passage for fishing boats be¬ 
tween, and are the heads of an extensive reef 1.5 miles southwest- 
ward of Cape Yidio. The Islets Agudas de Cadavedo, pointed and 
of moderate height, are situated westward of the bay of that name 


/ 


CABO BUS’1'0. 


490 


and close to the shore. Those named Cruces are black, low, and also 
close to the shore. 

Serron Bank, rocky, with from 23 fathoms water over it, deepen¬ 
ing to 54 fathoms on the north side, and 51 fathoms on the south, 
lies 5.7 miles 42° from Cabo Busto, and 5 miles off the coast. It is 
only dangerous in bad weather when heavy seas have been seen to 
break. 

Cabo Busto is level and terminates in cliffs. It has a village and 
a lighthouse on it. A reef, on which the sea generally breaks, 
extends northwestward from the cape. It is always covered, with 
the exception of Moura Ilock, which lies 200 yards from the cape, 
and is awash at low water. Serron Islet, of moderate height and 
conical form, lies east-northeastward from the cape, and is con¬ 
nected with it by a reef which shows at low water. There are de¬ 
tached rocks off the islet and the cape, but being bold they may be 
passed at a short distance. 

Light. —On Cabo Busto, from a white tower 34 feet high, with 
a building behind it, an alternating fixed and flashing light is ex¬ 
hibited, 307 feet above high water. The fixed light is visible 18 miles 
and the flash 20 miles. (See Light List.) 

Peton Bank, rocky and of small extent, with 36 fathoms water 
over it, lies about 2.5 miles 10° from Cabo Busto. There is a heavy 
sea, which sometimes breaks over it in bad weather. 

The coast from Cabo Busto is high, steep, and reddish, and trends 
southward to Esba Biver, called also Canero, the bar of which dries 
at low water. Inside the bar is the little port of Cueva, which is 
annually visited by coasters to embark timber. 

The bar has a rock in the middle of it, and can only be crossed at 
high water under favorable circumstances. Thence the coast takes 
a westerly direction for nearly 3 miles to Punta Blanca, and has 
some off-lying rocks. 

Puerto Luarca. —Punta Blanca is the extremity of a small penin¬ 
sula on the eastern side of Luarca Bay. A chapel on it, which has 
a high belfry, is conspicuous. Some rocks lie off the point, the 
outer of which, called Piedra la Moura, is 200 yards north-northwest¬ 
ward of it, and scarcely uncovers at low water. Vessels should pass 
outside these rocks. 

Light.—On Punta Blanca, and a little north of the chapel, from 
a square white tower 30 feet high is exhibited at an elevation of 
175 feet above high water a fixed white light visible 16 miles. 

Punta Mujeres, the western extremity of Luarca Bay, is low and 
rocky and may he passed at the distance of 200 to 400 yards in fine 
weather, but much farther off in bad weather, for the foul ground off' 
it produces much sea, and when it breaks on the rocks off this point it 
also breaks on Luarca Bar. 


500 


PUERTO LUARCA. 


Anchorage. —The bay, lying between Blanca Peninsula and 
Mujeres Point, has anchorage in the center in 4 to 5^ fathoms, sand, 
but the clean ground is very limited, and vessels should only remain 
in it during fine weather or to wait for tide to enter Puerto Luarca. 

Danger.— Bajo Bolezno, with 6 feet on it and small in extent, 
lies in the middle of the entrance to the bay about 150 yards to the 
west-northwestward of Piedra la Moura. 

Bar.— The bar nearly dries, and vessels drawing 10 feet require 
spring tides and a smooth sea to cross it. A pilot is necessary. 

Puerto Luarca is only frequented during the summer by small 
craft that can take the ground. The port is very small; in fact, it 
is nearly blocked by a bed of shingle, leaving a narrow, winding 
channel, the outlet of Rio Negro, which dries at low water and fol¬ 
lows a circular mole or wharf on the eastern side of the port. There 
is also a mole some 155 yards in length in an east and west direction 
on the opposite or western side. The town, which has 2,298 inhabit¬ 
ants, is built in the form of an amphitheater, the principal part 
being on the eastern side of the port. Water and provisions are 
plentiful. 

Harbor lights. —There are 2 fixed electric lights of small power 
in the port, one green, on the end of the western mole, the other red, 
on the eastern mole. 

Pilots.— Two pilots are stationed at Luarca. 

Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at Luarca, at 3h; the 
rise is 12 feet at ordinary springs and 13 to 14J feet when fresh 
northwesterly to southwesterly winds prevail. 

The coast is generally steep and clear, with some beaches from 
Mujeres Point for 3.2 miles to Cuerno de Barayo Point, a rocky 
projection with reddish-colored crags, one of which forms a curve 
to the south in the form of a horn. About 400 yards northward of 
Cuerno Point is Vaquina Shoal, which breaks when there is any sea. 
With this exception the point is clear of danger, and eastward of 
it is a large opening or break through which Barayo River Hows 
into the sea. Fishing boats can scarcely cross the bar of this river at 
high water. 

Koumanellas or Camaxima Point, more than 4 mile to the 
west-northwestward, is steep and rugged. Northward of it are 2 dark 
islets, with a passage between them for boats, and nearer the coast 
is a larger islet. These are the Romanellas Islets, and they may be 
passed closely, as they are free from rocks. About 1.5 miles west¬ 
ward of Romanellas Point is the Atalaya de Vega, with a small 
chapel on it, which is on the level land, about 90 feet above the sea, 
and the point which terminates the Atalaya is called Barroco. The 
hermitage on Cabo San Agustin bears from the chapel 274°, distant 


NAVIA RIVER. 501 

3.5 miles. The latter is larger and stands east and west, while the 
hermitage is north and south. 

Puerto Vega.— A short distance eastward of the chapel is the 
entrance of a tortuous channel between reefs, which dry at low tide, 
leading into Puerto Vega. This port dries at low tide and is very 
confined, but it is without a bar and will admit vessels drawing from 
8 to 9 feet at high water. Two moles nearly close the entrance, leav¬ 
ing an opening 40 feet in width. On a vessel approaching the port a 
boat with a pilot goes off to her assistance. 

The village of Vega, which has 934 inhabitants, is partly visible 
from seaward. The belfry of the church is white and has two tur¬ 
rets, and on the eastern point of the entrance is a ruined castle. 

Vega Island is situated -J mile westward of the Atalaya de Vega, 
and a short distance north-northeastward of it is a rock which dries 
at low water. The island lies north and south, forming a high, round 
head, and reefs extend a short distance from it in all directions. On 
its western side near the coast is a dark, rocky islet named Corberon. 

The coast westward of Vega Island is composed of broken cliffs 
as far as an extensive and high sand of a darkish color caller Frei- 
julfe, where the beach is steep and scattered with rocks. Corbera 
Point, about 1.2 miles westward of Vega Island, is low and rocky, 
and a short distance outside it is a rock always above water. Be¬ 
tween Corbera Point and Campel Point, at the eastern side of the 
entrance to Navia Inlet, is a low projection of the coast called Hocico 
de Fuera. A sunken rock with 10 feet water over it lies 200 yards 
outside it and breaks wfith a little sea. 

Navia River.— The mouth of this estuary is between Campel 
Point, the bottom of a hill of moderate height, and Cabo San 
Agustin. 

Navia River is of considerable importance from the quantity of oak 
timber which conies down it and from its rich salmon fishery. 

Bar. —The entrance is about 000 yards in breadth, but the channel 
is narrowed within by marshy ground, and abreast the village it is 
only 100 yards across. It admits vessels of 10 feet draft at high- 
water springs, but as its bar, which has a rock lying nearly in mid¬ 
channel, is constantly shifting and always breaks however little 
sea there may be, no vessel should attempt to cross it without a pilot, 
having passed the bar, the vessel will be well sheltered and can lie ' 
afloat in 10 to 16 feet at low water in some places. 

Navia village, with 998 inhabitants, is on the right bank, nearly a 
mile within the bar. 

Cabo San Agustin, 111 feet high, steep and rugged, has a 
hermitage on it. Monte Jarrio, 1,040 feet high, bearing 209° about 
2 miles from the cape, is also a good mark for the Navia River. 


502 


PUERTO VTAVELEZ. 


The coast between Cabo San Agustin and Cabo Blanca, which is 
5.5 miles westward, is composed of steep cliffs fringed with numer¬ 
ous rocks and forms several openings and bays. Off Lamosas or 
Engaramada Point, 1.2 miles from Cabo San Agustin, are some 
islets named Gavieros, and over 200 yards northward from the outer 
islet, and extending to j mile offshore, is the extensive reef Lamosas, 
a great part of which dries at low water. It always breaks, and, 
when there is much sea on, the breakers extend out a considerable 
distance. Between the reef and islets there is a channel of 9 to 11 
fathoms water which coasters use in fine weather. 

Acebros Point, westward of Engaramada Point, has a reef off it 
which dries at low water. This point forms the eastern entrance 
point of Torba Bay, which is open to the northward and surrounded 
by cliffs, but it has a small beach, and coasters find shelter from' 
northeasterly winds in it during summer. Westward of Torba Bay 
and about 2 miles eastward of Viavelez is Pormenande Bay, in which 
is the church and village of Caridad at the termination of a group 
of poplar trees, visible from seaward. The coast varies from about 
90 to 140 feet in height, rising about 3 miles inland to high moun¬ 
tains. Patarroja Point separates Torba and Pormenande Ba}^s, and 
1.7 miles west-northwestward of it is Corbera Islet, near the shore, 
with rocks east and west of it. 

Puerto Viavelez, on the eastern side and | mile southward of 
Cabo Blanco, hardly deserves the name of a port, but many vessels 
have been constructed here of late years, one of which was 640 tons 
burden, and she was got out with much difficulty. It is a creek, and 
the entrance is scarcely 40 yards in breadth at low water. About 
200 yards within is a pool 100 yards across, and in its northwestern 
angle there is an opening, with an entrance 18 yards wide, running 
in 200 yards to the southwest. This, as well as parts of the pool, is 
dry at low water, and even vessels of the lightest draft can not lie 
afloat at low water. Coasters frequent it and are well sheltered in all 
weathers. On the headland forming the eastern entrance point of 
the port is a watchtower. 

The mouth of this port is closed in heavy seas, for breakers extend 
a considerable distance outside it. 

Water is easily procured from the spring that supplies the town. 
Provisions are scarce, but they can be obtained at Caridad or Porcia. 

Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at Puerto Viavelez at 
3h., and the rise at springs is 12 feet. 

Cabezo Bank. —Off Viavelez there are several banks with more 
or less water, one of which, the Cabezo, lying 2.5 miles from the coast 
and north-northeastward from Viavelez entrance, has 34 fathoms 
over it. The sea runs high upon this bank, and it is dangerous to 
pass over it in bad weather. 


TAPIA ISLET. 


503 


Cabo Blanco is of white color on its western side. It is about 130 
feet above the sea and terminates in a projecting rugged point. 
Some rocks lie a short distance westward of it, and an islet is charted 
a short distance northward. About } mile northwestward of the cape 
is a depth of 13 fathoms, which breaks in a heavy sea. 

Porcia Bay.—The coast from Cabo Blanco, westward to Porcia 
Bay, is rocky, steep, and of a whitish aspect. At the head of this 
deep bay Porcia River runs through the sand. Coasters visit this 
river to load wood and grain, but they must take advantage of the 
tide, as the channel nearly dries at low water. The bay is bounded 
on the east by the Olga Mourina, a high whitish headland on which 
is a watchtower, and on the west by Forcado Point and Islet. To 
enter the river it is necessary to pass near two large islets, which must 
be left on the port hand in taking the bar. 

The coast westward to Cabo San Sebastian is a continuous cliff, 
with some ravines and beaches, from 90 to 140 feet high, rising to 
mountainous land about 2 to 3 miles within. Figueiras Bay, in which 
are some rocks, lies westward of Forcada Point. 

Tapia Islet.—Cabo San Sebastian, on which is a chapel and 
Tapia village, is a small promontory 2.7 miles westward of Forcada 
Point, having two islets oh' it named Tapia and Orrio de Tapia. The 
former, lying 100 yards northward of the cape and connected to it 
by a mole, is 165 yards long, 110 yards wide, and 65 feet high, hav¬ 
ing on its summit a lighthouse. 

Orrio de Tapia, lying northward and within 200 yards of Tapia 
Islet and connected to it by reefs which nearly dry at low water, is 
round, conical, and much lower than the latter islet. 

Beefs extend a long distance northward from Orrio and a large 
part dries at low water, but only two isolated rocks, called Porce- 
o-osas. are above high water, which then from a distance resemble 
boats. The water deepens outside the reefs, and a vessel may pass 

a mile northward of them without risk. 

Light.—On Tapia Islet, from a gray granite light tower, 32 feet 
high, a fixed and flashing white light, visible 15 miles, is exhibited, 

92 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Tapia Port is a small artificial harbor formed by 2 moles on 
the western side of Cabo San Sebastian. It can only accommodate 
two or three coasting vessels, and it is unsafe in winter. 

The coast from Cabo San Sebastian west-southwestward for 3.7 
miles to Bumeles Point is bold. A sunken rock lies J mile west- 
southwestward of the cape, and J mile farther to the south-south¬ 
west is a similar rock. Santa Gadia Point, about 1.7 miles 
southwestward of the cape, has the two Pantorgas Islets oil' it, and a 
short distance outside them are two rocks, which dry at low fide. 


21235 °— 17 - 


-33 



504 


GULF OF FOZ. 


Rubia Point, the next to the westward, is steep and of moderate 
height. Off it are some islets and J mile northeastward a sunken 
rock, and less than 1 mile north-northwestward from it is a bank 
on which is a depth of 9 fathoms, with IT fathoms about \ mile 
northeastward. The sea breaks on this bank only in heavy weather, 
which is a sign that Rivadeo Bar is not passable. Rumeles Point is 
low and rocky, with a reef extending 300 yards northward from it, 
and 600 yards westward of it is Cruz Point. 

Coast—Navigation.—The coast from Tapia Islet trends west¬ 
ward about 12 miles to the entrance of Foz; then northwestward 25 
miles to Estaca Point, the northern extremity of Spain. It is much 
indented and high, the ridges of the lofty mountains in the interior 
reaching the sea, especially between Cabo Moras and Barquero; 
thence eastward the mountain slopes become less abrupt, leaving 
between them and the sea high level ground, terminating in points. 
This coast is open to northerly gales, and its navigation would be 
dangerous for sailing vessels were it not for the inlets of Rivadeo, 
Vivero, and Barquero, which afford refuge from those winds, the 
two latter being free from bars and easily taken. There is also the 
little port of San Ciprian and other places of shelter for small craft. 

Gulf of Foz.—The Gulf of Foz or Masma is the large indentation 
of the coast between Tapia Islet and Burela Point. Its shores are 
foul and the soundings irregular over generally rocky bottom, which 
raises a high seat with on-shore gales, when it should be given a wide 
berth not only to avoid being embayed, but on account of the break¬ 
ers, which in some places are then 4 miles from the land. The pre¬ 
vailing southwesterly gales of winter blow in tremendous squalls in 
the gulf, their strength sometimes extending 15 to 20 miles offshore, 
but outside this distance a regular wind prevails. 

Currents.—In summer, westerly and northwesterly currents are 
constantly experienced, according to the contour of the coast and the 
distance from it, and attain a velocity of about 2 miles an hour, 
especially off Orrio de Tapia and Burela Point, with persistent 
northeasterly winds. In winter the currents set eastward, and off 
Burela Point southeastward, toward the head of the Gulf of Foz, 
about 2 miles an hour when northwesterly winds prevail. The tidal 
streams reach but a short distance off the coast, the ebb running 

- ' O 

westward and the flood eastward. In unsettled weather caution is 
required when navigating in this vicinity. 

Fogs are frequent in June and July. They continue for three or 
four days and almost always precede a fresh northeasterly breeze. 
In Rivadeo, Monte Mondigo being covered with fog or haze and the 
coast westward about San Ciprian obscured is a sign of a northeast¬ 
erly wind, but, Monte Mondigo and the coast being clear, of a westerly 
wind. 


RIVADEO INLET. 


505 


Rivadeo Inlet, the entrance to which is about ^ mile wide, be¬ 
tween Cruz Point and Pancha Islet, is now so obstructed by sands 
that a sailing vessel has difficulty in entering with scant winds. 

Landmark.— Monte Mondigo, situated about 5 miles 237° from 
Rivadeo Entrance, is conspicuous, being 1,913 feet high, isolated, with 
a rugged summit. On its eastern slope is Santa Cruz Chapel, a 
square white building. 

Depths.— The soundings in Rivadeo Inlet decrease gradually from 
7 fathoms between the entrance points to 4j fathoms abreast the 
Carruyas Rocks, after passing which the deepest water is on the 
western shore, where, in the channel between the banks, there is a 
depth of 1^ fathoms to abreast the town at low water. 

Eo River runs into the inlet (whence the name of the inlet, Rivadeo 
meaning bank of the Eo) and separates the Province of Oviedo from 
that of Lugo. 

Eastern side of entrance. —Cruz Point, at the eastern side of the 
entrance, descends in declivities from a tongue of land which forms 
the eastern side of entrance to Rivadeo and terminates at the sea 
in cliffs of steep rock. 

Arnao Bay. —About 1,400 yards southard from Cruz Pnint is 
Pasada Point, and between these points is Arnao Bay, 700 yards deep. 
The bay is clear, with depths of 4J to 6^ fathoms, sand, and in fine 
weather it is used as a temporary anchorage. 

Figueras Bay. —About 200 yards within Pasada Point is Boy 
Point, on which is San Roman watch tower, 172 feet above the sea, 
and about £ mile southward is Castropol Point. Between these latter 
points Figueras Bay extends eastward nearly a mile. It is filled with 
sand banks, drying at low water. Figueras Village is situated on the 
northeastern side of the bay and eastward of Rivadeo, and Castropol 
Village and watch tower are on the point of that name about \ mile 
southward of Rivadeo. 

Western side of entrance.—Pancha Islet, which has a light 
tower on its summit, is separated from the western point by a chan¬ 
nel some 55 yards wide, which almost dries at low water. The islet 
is nearly 200 yards in length. It is steep on all sides, with a level 
surface 52 feet above the sea, and a reef extends a short distance 
northwestward from it. About 800 yards southeastward of Pancha 
Islet is Castrelius Point, and nearly 400 yards farther southward 
stands the castle of San Damian on a high, steep point. Half a mile 
southward of the latter is the town of Rivadeo. 

Dangers_Eastern side — Carabela Bank. — Carabela Bank, 

which extends 600 yards in a northerly direction from Pasada Point, 
on the eastern side of the inlet, toward the Carruyas Rocks, \ mile 
within the entrance on the western side, is increasing. It has from 
2 to 3 fathoms over it at low water, and at present the channel for 


506 


RIVADEO INLET. 


large vessels between it and the rocks is not more than 200 yards 
wide. 

Dangers—Western side.—Arredo Shoal, 700 yards east-north¬ 
eastward of Pancha Islet Lighthouse, is rocky, of some extent, and 
has a least depth of 5 fathoms over it at low-water springs. The sea 
breaks on this bank in northwesterly gales. 

Panchorro Bank.—About 250 yards north-northeastward from 
the lighthouse on Pancha Islet is Panchorro Bank, less than 200 
yards in length, which has only 1^ fathoms over it at low-water 
springs and nearly always breaks. 

Carruyas Rocks—Buoy.—About 700 yards 130° from Pancha 
Islet is the north part of Carruyas Rocks, which extend from Cas- 
trelius Point in a northerly direction, and are nearly all dry at 
low water. A black buoy is moored northeastward of them in 4J 
fathoms. 

Viga Rock—Buoy.—Viga Rock lies a little northward of the 
point under San Damian Castle, but not more than 20 yards offshore. 
A cylindrical black buoy is moored eastward of this rock. 

Carballo Rock lies nearly 200 yards south-southeastward of Visa 
Rock, and about 65 yards from the shore. The rock dries at low 
water. 

Light .* 1 —From the lighthouse on Pancha Islet, 29 feet high, 
painted white with yellow bands, a fixed red light, visible 7 miles, is 
exhibited 79 feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Pilots.—Figueras village is the residence of the best pilots, who 
look out from the tower on Boy Point, and come off to vessels when 
signaled for. The pilot service is well organized. 

Mole.—A stone wharf or mole, 1,300 feet long, has been con¬ 
structed in the port. Four white mooring buoys are placed near the 
mole. 

Anchorage.—There is anchorage about 200 yards within Car¬ 
ballo Rock, where a vessel of 15 feet may anchor. Vessels drawing 
11 feet can go farther in to Figueirua anchorage, but local knowl¬ 
edge is required. Vessels moor head and stern, with their heads to 
the southward, to guard against southerly winds, which blow with 
great violence. 

Directions.—The channel into Rivadeo, lying nearly north and 
south, and being narrow, sailing vessels should always take a pilot. 
To enter, steer in with Castropol Point watch tower in line with Bov 
Point bearing 175°, until Cabanela Point, the most projecting point 
eastward of the town of Rivadeo, is on with the middle of the fork 
or saddle formed by two mountains in the interior, called Cotos de 
Balboa, bearing 191°, which is the leading mark through the narrow 

1 Characteristic to be changed to group occulting white. 





RIVADEO INLET. 


507 


channel to the anchorage, passing eastward of the black buoys on 
Carruyas and Viga Rocks and westward of Carabela Bank. 

Tides.— It is high water, full and change, in Rivadeo Inlet at 3hi.; 
and the ordinary rise of springs is 13 feet, which is increased by 1J or 
2d feet by westerly, and diminished as much by easterly winds. The 
mean velocity of the tidal stream is about 3 knots. 

Rivadeo.— A short distance southward of the castle is the town 
of Rivadeo, which has a population of 2,920. It is situated on the 
level ground on the clitfs forming the port, slopes leading between 
the port and town. 

Communication.— There is inland communication by coach or 
diligence and there is telegraphic communication, but the nearest 
railroad station is at Bahamonde, a distance of about 60 miles. 
Steamers call from and to important ports of the peninsula. 

Repairs. —There are no docks, but every facility for the repair 
of wooden vessels. Iron vessels and machinery can not be repaired. 

Vessels are built in a little bay 800 yards southward of the town 
and also at Linera, at the head of Figueras Bay. 

Supplies.— Abundance of provisions can be procured at Rivadeo, 
at reasonable rates. The best and most plentiful supply of water is 
at Castropol. It is obtained from a covered fountain, which will 
load a boat in a very short time, but the watering place can only be 
reached at high water. A small quantity of coal is kept. 

Life saving.— There is a rocket apparatus at Rivadeo. 

The coast from Pancha Islet takes a westerly direction 7.5 miles 
to Prado Point, the eastern extremity of Foz Inlet. About 2 miles 
westward of the islet is Corbera Point, surrounded by sunken rocks 
called Lonjas, extending J mile offshore, and the ground outside-of 
them is foul, requiring a berth of 3 miles in heavy seas. Thence to 
Foz the most projecting point is Promontorio, terminating in sunken 
reefs, extending off a considerable distance. Between the points 
the coast forms slight bends with small beaches with numerous rocks 
in them. Between Corbera and Promontorio Points and close to 


the mainland are the two high Portelas Islets, from which a reef 
projects a short distance. 

Foz Inlet.— Westward of Prado Point is an opening 900 yards 
wide leading into Foz Inlet, which is spacious but filled with sand 
and dry at low water, excepting some channels and small holes with 
1 and 2 fathoms of water in them. A few coasters visit the inlet 
during the summer for wheat and wood but, as the bar at its mouth 
is shifting and shallow, vessels drawing over 10 feet can not enter at 
high-water springs. Foz t illage stands on the western shore. 
Masma River falls into the interior of the inlet. 

Tide._It is high water, full and change, at 3 h.; the spring rise is 

about 11 feet. 


508 


FOZ INLET. 




Escairo or Cairos Point, the northwestern extremity of Foz Inlet, 
is low and even, forming a plain J mile across, extending westward 
and terminating at the foot of the small hill, Coto de Castro, 216 
feet high, the pine trees on which are an excellent mark for the inlet. 
Escario Rock, 46 feet high, with a steep black face to the north, lies 
off the point, and there are two islets of equal height a short dis¬ 
tance northwestward of the point. 

The coast from Escairo Point trends northwestward 8 miles to 
Burela Point, forming several projections, between which are sandy 
beaches. From Escairo Point to Villarmea Point the coast is low, 
sandy, and scattered with rocks. Marzan Point, which lies between 
them, is also surrounded by rocks. Villarmea Point and Fazouro 
Point, about a mile northwestward, are low and rocky, and between 
them Oro Eiver falls into the sea b}^ Fazouro village. The bar at its 
mouth is practicable at high water for vessels of light draft. 

Nois Point, though low, presents a steep black front to the north¬ 
east, and is surrounded by rocks. Fishing vessels take shelter in the 
elbow on the south side of the point during southwesterly winds. 
Nois village is on the plain from which the point projects. 

A low rocky coast follows Nois Point for a mile as far as Areoura 
or Preveso Point, which, although like the former, does not project 
so far to the norteast. Between them, close to the mainland, is the 
rocky islet Orjal. Serrido Point, which is foul, lies about 4 mile from 
Areoura Point. 

Within these points the land rises to the high and mountainous 
ridges northeastward of the Gistral Eange, whose peaks rise 3,399 
feet above the sea. The mountain nearest the coast is Tres Mujeres 
Peak, 1,610 feet above the sea, 3.2 miles westward of Nois Point. 

Burela Point projects to the northeast, and is the termination of 
the high mountain known locally as Ronadoira, which has rather a 
fiat summit. The point, which is low, rocky, steep, and of a reddish 
color, may be passed at the distance of 1.2 miles when the sea is 
smooth, but it must be given a wide berth in bad weather, for there 
is then a heavy sea on the uneven rocky bottom which extends 
from it. 

The bay, which follows the point to the southeast, is named Puerto 
Burela, from the village of that name, which is scattered about it. 
Coasters visit the port in summer. About f mile southeastward 
from Burela Point is a small islet, surrounded by rocks. 

A short distance from the point are the Chacineiras Islets, sur¬ 
rounded by reefs. 

The coast from Burela Point takes a west-northwesterly direction 
for nearly 4 miles. It is rocky and generally foul, except a small 
beach near the point which is clear. And 1 mile from Burela Point 
is Juan Marino Point. Somonte Point, 1.2 miles farther on, is low. 


PORT SAN CIPRTAN. 


509 


Atalaya Point, about 1.3 miles west-northwestward of Somonte 
Point, is the northern extremity of a peninsula consisting of a small 
granite hill covered with sand and scanty vegetation, connected with 
the mainland by a sandy isthmus. On the eastern side of the penin¬ 
sula is the little bay of Caosa, olf which are some rocks, the outer and 
most dangerous of which, Leixon del Nordeste, lies east-southeast¬ 
ward J mile from Atalaya Point, and nearly always breaks. On the 
western side is the little port of San Ciprian. 

Light.—On Atalaya Point, eastern side of approach to Port San 
Ciprian, from a conical light gray granite tower, 29 feet high, with 
'the keeper’s house southward of it, a fixed white light, visible 9 miles, 
is exhibited at an elevation of 121 feet above high water. 

Anzuela Islet, low and rocky, lying about 135 yards west-north¬ 
westward of the above peninsula, is 200 yards long east and west, 
and nearly covered at high-water springs. About 200 yards from its 
northern side, and with shoal water between, are Leixon del Yendaval 
Pocks, which uncover at half tide. 

Port San Ciprian is the anchorage in the little bight on the 
western side of the peninsula, between it and Anzuela Islet. It will 
accommodate conveniently only 5 small vessels, which secure to the 
rocks of the islet, with anchors laid out to the southward. In fresh 
northwesterly winds it is only protected from half ebb to half flood, 
as at high water a considerable sea runs over the islet. The depth 
is from 2J to 3J fathoms, sand and weed. Vessels of 200 tons load 
in the port in summer. 

San Ciprian River falls into the south corner of the bight, but 
owing to the little depth on its shifting bar, it is only available at 
high-water springs for vessels of 6J feet draft, which are secure 
from all winds inside, and lie aground at low water on a bottom of 
soft mud. 

Figueiras Village is situated on the western side of the peninsula, 
and San Ciprian Village on rocky ground on the west side of Caosa 
Bay. In northwesterly gales the isthmus is overflowed, and commu¬ 
nication is then cut off between the villages. The population of the 
two villages combined is about 400. 

Trade. —The trade consists in articles required in the pottery and 
iron works at Sargadelos, 3 miles up the river, and the exportation 
of the products. 

Supplies. —Water is obtained in the river. Provisions are scare. 

Tides.— It is high water, full and change, in Port San Ciprian at 
3 h.; springs rise about 10 feet, but more or less according to the 
direction of the prevailing winds. 

Pilots.— A person capable of piloting the vessel will come out im¬ 
mediately the signal is made, and boats are always ready to render 
assistance. There are no regular pilots. 


510 


FARALLONES. 


Directions.— There are 2 entrances to the port, one each side 
of Anzuela Islet; the eastern, although the smaller, is generally 
adopted, being clear of rocks. 

Farallones.— About 1 mile northward of Atalaya Point, are 
Sombriza, La Baja, and El Pie, 3 rocky islets. Sombriza, the 
largest, is over 400 yards long east-northeast and west-southwest, nar¬ 
row, of little height, and a rocky reef extends 200 yards from the 
western point of the islet. La Baja, 100 yards southward of Som¬ 
briza, is 400 yards in length and 100 yards across. El Pie, the most 
remarkable of the three, is a nearly circular, inaccessible rock, 82 
feet high, and of a reddish color. It is 75 yards east-northeastward 
of Sombriza. The passages between the islets are not navigable. 
At a short distance around them on the east, south, and west side are 
4^ and fathoms, sand, and there are 7 to 12 fathoms, sand and 
rock, in the channel between them and San Ciprian Peninsula. The 
depth 100 yards northward of El Pie is 23 fathoms, and at about the 
same distance eastward 11 fathoms, rock. When there is much sea 
it breaks 400 yards southeastward of Baja. 

San Clemente Bank.— Between Sombriza and Cabo Moras, which 
is 1.2 miles to the west-northwest, is a rocky bank named San 
Clemente, which inclines to the southward, with 4f to 7 fathoms over 
it at low water, and the sea breaks on it in northerly and north¬ 
westerly gales. When there is much sea the best channel lies near 
Sombriza ; to use it pass 400 yards distant from the islet to avoid the 
reef of rocks off its western point. There is another channel, not so 
good as the former, between the above bank and Cabo Moras, to use 
which it is necessary to pass 200 yards from the cape. These dangers 
require caution in heavy seas. 

Lago Bay.— The coast between San Ciprian and Cabo Moras, 2 
miles northwestward, forms San Ciprian Bay, within which are four 
inner bays with beaches. Lago, the second from the cape, with a 
village on its shore, is clean, with good holding ground, and affords 
shelter from southerly to northwesterly winds. It is much fre¬ 
quented by coasters and by vessels that can not get into Barquero or 
Vivero during southwesterly gales, for there is no difficulty in enter¬ 
ing it, and it is free from the heavy gusts of wind encountered in 
those iidets. 

Anchorage. —A good position to anchor in is wdth Cabo Moras 
bearing 22° and Atalaya Point 110°, in 8 fathoms, fine sand. Out¬ 
side this there are patches of rock. With good ground tackle a 
vessel would probably ride out a northerly gale, for the San Clemente 
Bank, between the cape and the Farallones, breaks the sea con¬ 
siderably. 

Cabo Moras, which is steep, rocky, and 85 feet high, projects 
northeastward, and is commanded by land, which reaches 1,250 feet 


PORT VIYERO. 


511 


above the sea. At its foot there is a pointed rock, and northward 0.7 
mile from it is a depth of 9 fathoms. Moras Village is westward of 
the cape. 

Anzaron Island, 281 feet high, lies 1.7 miles west-northwestward 
from the cape. It is high, rugged, and hare, presenting whitish 
clilfs to the northward and sloping to the southward. It lies so close 
to the coast that at a distance it is blended with it and difficult to 
distinguish. It is clean and bold, but there is a sunken rock lying 
nearly J mile to the northward. 

The coast between Anzaron and Roncadoira Point, rather more 
than 1.5 miles west-nortliwestward, recedes to the southward, form¬ 
ing Reboira Bay, at the head of which is the mouth of Portizuelo 
River, admitting only boats at high water, and at its head are two 
islets. Vilacha Village is on a height eastward of the river, and 
Portocelo Village is southward of Roncadoira Point. 

Roncadoira Point is high, steep, and generally rocky. The coast 
for 1 mile westward bends to the southward, forming a bay, in 
the middle of which and close to the mainland is an islet. At the 
western point of this bay and close to it are two islets named Netos—- 
one high, the other low—which may be passed at 800 yards distance; 
foul ground extends about 400 yards northward of the outer islet. 

Thence a steep and rocky coast runs west-south westward f mile 
to Sainas Point, which is low at its extremity, with off-lying rocks, 
and can be passed at the distance of \ mile. From it Faro Point lies 
southwestward 2 miles, and between is a deep bay named Esteiro, 
the whole of which is stated to be rocky and foul, and when there 
is much sea the breakers reach a long distance from the shore. 

Port Vivero, the entrance to which is 1 mile wide, between Faro 
Point on the east and Socastro Point on the west, is chiefly resorted 
to bv vessels which in northwesterly or southwesterly gales have been 
driven to leeward of Barquero. It extends 2.5 miles in a 197° direc¬ 
tion, has good holding ground, and affords shelter from southwesterly 
and northwesterly winds on its western shore, and from northeasterly 
and easterly on its eastern shore. A heavy sea tumbles in with 
northerly gales, and a vessel using it in winter should have good 
• around tackle. Both shores inside the entrance are high, bold, and 
clean. 

Depths. —The depths decrease gradually from 12 fathoms at the • 
entrance to 3| fathoms at Cillero Anchorage near the head of the in¬ 
let. Vessels under 11 feet draft can proceed at high water as far in 
as the bridge at the town of Vivero, through a channel kept open 
by the tidal stream of Landrove River, which falls into the inlet, but 
they lie aground when the tide is out. Large boats can get to Len- 
drove Village, about 3 miles up the river. 


512 


SOCASTRO POINT. 


Port Vivero—Sunken rock. —At 0.65 mile 22° from the peak of 
Monte Faro exists a rock, called Piedra Co. de Esteiro, with low- 
water depth of 15.7 feet, the depth in its vicinity being more than 
8£ fathoms. 

The mineral loading wharf, constructed on San Juan Islet, open of 
Faro Point, clears the rock. 

Faro Point. —Monte de Faro, 1,790 feet in height, isolated and 
conical, marks the entrance of Vivero to the northeast. Its slope de¬ 
scends seaward to Faro Point. 

The eastern shore of the inlet from Faro Point trends southward. 
About f mile from the point and 250 yards offshore is Arenas Islet, 
of moderate height, with a channel inside it, in which are numerous 
rocks. The shore then curves gradually southward and westward, 
forming Area Bay, at the head of which is the Playa de San Julian, 
from which beach it becomes high and steep to Puntal Point. 

Old Cillero Village, 300 yards southeastward of Puntal Point, is 
built on a steep headland, on the southeastern side of which is Lavan- 
deiras Bay, filled with sand, and having around it houses and fish- 
salting establishments, named New Cillero. 

From Lavandeiras Bay the coast trends southward for f mile to 
the town of Vivero. 

Socastro Point, or Testa de Castro, the western entrance point of 
Vivero, is about 1 mile 293° from Faro Point, and is steep, of little 
height, with rocks at the base. 

The western shore of the inlet from Socastro Point trends south¬ 
ward for more than 800 yards and abreast Gabeira Islet is fronted 
by detached rocks. 

Gabeira Islet, 600 yards south-southeastward of Socastro Point and 
200 yards offshore, is a moderate height, and between it and the main 
there are 5J to 7 fathoms water in the middle of the channel, which 
is more than 100 yards wide. 

Between Gabeira Islet and Brela Point, nearly 0.6 mile southward, 
is a spacious bay, with two beaches, the southern of which, called 
Playa de Chueos, is exposed to the northeast, but coasters anchor off 
it with southwesterly winds when they can not get farther up the 
inlet. The beach is clean and the depths gradually decrease from 
10 fathoms off Gabeira Islet toward the shore. 

Caballo Point is 300 yards southeastward of Brela Point and 400 
yards southward of the former is Queimada Islet, which is close to 
the shore. 

Mole. —At San Juan Islet, east-northeastward of Point San Juan, 
and 1,200 yards within Caballo Point, there are conveniences for 
shipping iron ore, consisting of a mole 125 yards in length, and off 
the point are five sets of moorings for the use of the vessels taking- 
cargoes of this ore. 


VIVET?0 INLET. 


513 


About 1,G00 yards south from San Juan Islet is an islet named 
La Insua, lying close to the mainland. Between these islets is the 
Bay or Concha of San Juan, with several small islets near its shores. 
The village of San Juan de Coba lies 600 yards southward of the 
southern extremity of the bay. From Insua Islet the coast trends 
southward, and about 300 yards from the islet is a chain of steep 
rocks, extending southward, named Los Castelos del Grallal. From 
these an extensive sandy flat commences, named the Playa del Grallal, 
which curves eastward and northward, nearly a mile, to Lavandeiras 
Bay and Puntal Point, and southeastward into the river, which it 
almost completely blocks up. The flat is dry at low water over 
nearly the whole of its extent. 

Banks. —Lage Rock, with 12 fathoms water on it, lies 600 yards 
269° from Faro Point. There is also a shoal, Avith 6 fathoms Avater 
over it, lying 400 yards 225° from Faro Point. 

Co Bank, with 6J fathoms least water over it, lies 650 yards 92° 
from Socastro Point. The sea breaks on this bank and on the uneven 
ground between it and the point in hea\ 7 y northwesterly weather. 

Light .—A fixed white light, visible 5 miles, is exhibited at an ele¬ 
vation of 52 feet above high water, from a Avooden pole on the load¬ 
ing mole of San Juan. 

Anchorage. —The best anchorage in Vivero Inlet during Avinter 
is on its western side in San Juan Bay in 4J fathoms water, muddy 
sand, with Gabeira Islet in line with Caballo Point. A long scope of 
chain should be given. In summer vessels anchor more in the middle 
of the inlet, in about 5 fathoms. The anchor should be lifted occa¬ 
sionally, for there is great difficulty in breaking it out of the ground 
if it is long down. 

Cillero Anchorage is westAvard of Puntal Point, betAveen it and 
Insua Islet. Vessels that can not cross the bar of the river anchor 
here in summer, in about 4 fathoms sand and from 500 to 900 yards 
from Puntal Point. The anchorage is open to the north-northeast¬ 
ward. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high Avater, full and change, at 
Vivero, at 2h. 30m.; springs rise 15 feet. With strong southwesterly 
and northwesterly winds the water rises betAveen 4 and 5 feet above 
its usual level, while with northeasterly and southeasterly winds it 
is depressed 2J feet below it. The tidal stream at springs runs 3 
knots an hour in the river and 1J knots in the middle of the inlet. 

Directions—In a sailing A^essel running for Vivero Inlet in a 
southwesterly gale keep the coast close aboard, and be prepared for 
heavy squalls and eddy winds off the land. Pass inside Coelleira 
Islet, or close seaAvard of it, for if Vivero is missed, there are no 
pop^g to the eastward but what are bailed and difficult to take. 


514 


VIVERO TOWN. 


Round Socastro Point at a prudent distance, but so as to get into 
Vivero if possible without a tack. 

This point can not be rounded close-to in a northwesterly gale, 
for Co Bank and the whole extent between it and the point break 
when there is a heavy sea. To pass outside the bank keep the sum¬ 
mit of Monte Vares, 721 feet high, forming Cabo Vares, in line with 
the southwestern end of Coelleira Islet, until the Castelos del Grallal 
open well clear of the west shore of the inlet. There are 13 fathoms 
a short distance outside the bank. Avoid the shoal 400 yards south- 
westward of Faro Point, and anchor off the Bay of San Juan, or as 
convenient. 

Sometimes sailing vessels, prevented by strong southerly winds 
from entering Vivero, anchor off' San Roman Beach to await a 
change; or run eastward toward Cabo Moras, and keep under sail 
between Sainas Point and San Ciprian, or anchor in Lago Bay. 

The bar at the entrance of the channel leading to Vivero is at 
the extremity of the most projecting point of the cliff on which Old 
Cillero village stands. It can be crossed at high water by vessels 
drawing 11 feet, but the services of a pilot are necessary, as the bar 
shifts. Pilotage is compulsory for vessels of more than 50 tons, 
except Spanish coasters. 

Vivero Town, with a population of 3,052, stands on the eastern 
shore at the head of the inlet at the foot of Monte San Roque, and 
it communicates with the opposite shore by a bridge of 12 arches, 
which is continued farther by a causeway 400 yards long. Only fish¬ 
ing boats are built here, and. some coasting and numerous fishing 
vessels belong to the town. 

The chief exports of Vivero are pitwood for mines and sardines, 
the chief import being pitch. 

A company has been formed to work the immense iron-ore lodes 
in the vicinity of Vivero, and an aerial railway is projected to convey 
700 tons a day. 

Hospital.— There is a hospital for sailors, the charge being from 
25 to 50 cents a day, but this fee does not include medicines. The 
climate is very healthy at all seasons. 

Communication.— There is communication by steam and sailing- 
vessels, by telegraph, and a coach runs to Bahamonde Railroad 
station. 

Water, supplies.— Good water is plentiful in the inlet. It can 
be obtained at Vivero and Cillero, and also from the streams at 
Lavandeiras Bay, Cargadoiro, or Del Grallal. Provisions can be 
obtained at Vivero at reasonable prices, but no coal. 

The coast from Socastro Point trends a short distance westward 
to San Roman Beach. It then takes a northerly direction for 1.7 
miles to Ventosa Point, 0.6 mile northward of which is Coelleira 


BARQUERO INLET. 


515 


Island. San Roman Beach is of small extent, fronted with some 
sharp-pointed rocks, the Castelos de Laguete. Vessels anchor off it 
in 12 to 14 fathoms in southwesterly winds, but they must leave with 
a shift of wind. 

Vigia, de Vicedo, the summit of which is J mile west-northwest¬ 
ward of Ventosa Point, is 482 feet high, with the ruins of a watch 
house on it. Its northern coast is high, round, and steep. 

Coelleira or Conejera Islet is $ mile in circuit, high and steep to 
the northward and northeastward, hut lower to the southward. It is 
covered with vegetation, and on its west side is a small cove used as 
a landing place. About 100 yards off its northern point is a shoal, 
which breaks when there is much sea from the northwest. There is 
also a small rock close off the southwestern point of the islet, with 
31 fathoms water just outside it. The chanel between the islet and 
the main is J mile wide and has 9 fathoms water in the middle, but 
with onshore gales the sea breaks right across it. 

Light.—On the highest part of Coelleira Islet, from a light gray 
conical granite tower, 24 feet high, with the keeper’s house on its 
southern side, a fixed green light, visible 5 miles, is exhibited, 273 
feet above high water. (See Light List.) 

Barquero Inlet, running in 3 miles southwestward between Coel- 
Jeira Islet and Cabo Vares, is 1.5 miles wide at the entrance. It is 
easy of access, clear of danger, with good holding ground, sandy 
bottom, and sheltered from all except easterly winds. The inlet is a 
refuge for vessels of large draft, and is easily entered with northerly 
and northwesterly gales. With southwesterly gales sailing vessels 
would have difficulty in gaining an anchorage. In such cases an effort 
should be made to reach Vares Bay or Vivero Inlet. 

The soundings in Barquero Inlet gradually decrease from lb 
fathoms at the entrance to 3 fathoms 2.2 miles within, between Points 
Santo and Castro, where the inlet narrows to J mile; thence the depths 
decrease more rapidly, the whole of the inner part being nearly dry 
at low-water springs, excepting some little channels kept open by 
the tidal streams. The shores of the inlet are high, clear, and in 
many places steep, but the western shore is bordered by a bank. 
Although as a harbor it is not equal to Ferrol or Coruna, it is easier 
to make in thick weather. The coast is clean and bold, and in 
approaching it in westerly gales a vessel does not, as at Ferrol 
and Coruna, run down on a lee shore. 

The southern shore of the inlet from Punta Camero, the north- 

* 

northeastern extremity of Vigia de Vicedo, trends westward 1.7 
miles to Punta Cueva Baja, and is exposed to northerly winds. It 
is high, steep, and safe to approach. About midway between the 
above points is an inlet about 000 yards in depth and 300 in width, 


516 


VARES BAY. 


having at its head the village of Xilloy, fronted by a beach named 
Playa de Xilloy. 

Punta Cueva Baja is high and rocky. The shore here turns 
southward and 350 yards from it is Punta Congrera, between which 
and Punta Castro, the same distance farther south, is a bay called 
Vicedo Port. This bay is the best anchorage in the inlet with north¬ 
east and easterly winds. It has depths of If to 2| fathoms, muddy 
sand. Fresh water may be obtained from a well near the beach at 
the head of the bay. Vicedo village is scattered around the shores. 
On Castro Point is a coast-guard house. 

Punta de los Vicleiros, 200 yards southward with a little bay be¬ 
tween, is the northern limit of Vale Port, a bay 800 yards across and 
400 yards in depth, with an extensive beach, on which fishing boats 
are hauled. Some houses in the vicinity and salting establishments 
on the beach form Vale village. There is no anchorage in this bay, 
as it is shallow. From Punta de los Castrelos, the southern limit 
of Vale Port, the beach, named Playa Longa, curves 1,400 yards west¬ 
ward to Punta de Monte Furado. Shoal water runs some distance 
off this beach. 

Monte Furado, southwestward of the point of the same name, is 
a small isolated hill covered with sand. 

Western shore. —Cabo Vares, the northwestern entrance point of 
Barquero Inlet, bears 306° 1.7 miles from Coelleira Island, and is 
high, round, and steep-to. About 600 yards westward of the cape, 
and on Monte Vares, a conical hill 721 feet in height, is a semaphore. 

Signal station. —From the semaphore station on Monte Vares, on 
the northwestern side of Barquero entrance, vessels can be reported 
and messages transmitted by telegraph at reasonable charges. 

Storm signals. —Storm signals are made from the semaphore 
station of Vares, as agreed by the international conference of Sep¬ 
tember, 1910, which signals are identical with those used on the 
coasts of France. 

From Cabo Vares the coast trends about 800 yards south-south- 
westward to Punta Bufato. 

Vares Bay. —About 1,300 yards south-southwestward from Punta 
Bufato is Punta Almeiro, and between them is Vares Bay, about 
700 yards deep to the northwest, and in its northeastern part is a 
clean beach. An enrockment over 200 yards in length, extending 
west-southwestwarcl from Punta Bufato, affords a little shelter for 
boats in northeasterly winds. 

Vares village is situated on the northern shore of the bay, under 
Monte Vares. Its population is 629. 

Nearly 1.2 miles south-southwestward of Punta Almeiro is Punta 
Sobrepuesta, and the large bay between, divided by Punta Castro- 
grande, offers the best anchorage in the inlet with easterly winds. 


BARQUERO PORT. 


517 


Punta Sobrepuesta and Punta del Santo, 200 yards south-south¬ 
eastward, are rocky, with high land within, producing violent squalls 
off it. From Punta del Santo the coast curves south-southwestward 
for 200 yards to Punta de la Barra, forming a shallow bay, in which 
is a rock, awash at low water. 

Anchorages.— Coasters anchor temporarily in summer with south¬ 
west to northwest winds in the middle of Vares Bay in 6J fathoms 
and larger vessels farther out in 9 to 11 fathoms. In winter, if the 
wind threatens to come from or shifts to the northeastward, vessels 
there should proceed to Vicedo anchorage or to sea. 

Good anchorage with westerly winds is found in the bay between 
Almeiro and Sobrepuesta Points. Large vessels may anchor off 
Punta Campelo in about 64 fathoms water, or in about 5 fathoms off 
the Arenal de Virelay to the southwestward, with Castrogrande Point 
bearing 304° and Santo Point in line with Monte Furado. To obtain 
shelter in northerly winds it is necessary to go closer to the shore. 
Small vessels can also anchor southward of Santo Point in about 2 
fathoms. 

Barquero Port.— Punta de la Barra is the northern and Punta de 
Monte Furado mile south-southwestward is the southern entrance 
point of Barquero Port or Rio Sor. From Punta de la Barra the 
shore turns west-southwestward 1,200 yards to the port, which is 
nearly filled with sand, and sands extend northeastward and north¬ 
ward from Punta de Monte Furado, leaving a narrow channel along 
the northern shore with very little water in it. Vessels of 11 feet 
draft can get up to the village at high-water springs; but with north¬ 
easterly winds, however little sea there may be, it breaks on the bar 
and the entrance is impracticable. 

Barquero village, with 878 inhabitants, is in an elbow on the north¬ 
ern shore at the foot of a cliff commanded by land 894 feet above 
the sea. It has few resources. There is a small landing mole. 

Southward of the village and Punta de Monte Furado is an inlet, 
called Rio Sor, which separates the Provinces of Lugo and Coruna, 
and extends 4 miles in a southerly and southwest direction. There 
are some deep spots in it, with 7 and 8 feet at low water, while in 
other parts there is scarcely sufficient depth at half tide for large 
boats over the banks of fine sand and mud, by which it is obstructed. 
Small vessels resort to it for cargoes of white clay. 

Water and supplies.— Water may be obtained at many places in 
the inlet. The best place in northeasterly winds is close to Punta 
Congrera, under Vicedo Village, and in westerly winds from a stream 
near Punta Campelo, where two or three boats can water at the 
same time, even at low tide. In Vares Bay it may also be had, al¬ 
though not so good as at the other places. Barquero has good water, 
and there, as well as at Vares, some provisions may be obtained, but 


518 


ESTACA POINT. 


a large quantity must be procured from Vivero, 6 miles distant by 
road. 

Tides and tidal streams. —It is high water, full and change, at 
Barquero Mole at 3 h. 15 m.; springs rise 9 feet, neaps 6J feet. 
The rise is from 3 to 4 feet above the ordinary level with strong 
northwesterly winds, and the contrary with those from the north¬ 
east. The tidal stream in the channel runs 3 knots an hour at 
springs. 

Pilots for the bar at the entrance of the river may be obtained at 
Barquero and also at Vares. 

Directions. —The coast between Estaca Point and Cabo Vares is 
high and steep, and a vessel from the westward with southwesterly 
winds should keep sufficiently near to recognize it, as the land with 
these winds is generall much obscured. If the water is smooth the 
outer islet olf Estaca Point may be passed at about a mile or less, 
but in a heavy sea from the westward or northwestward a berth of 
2 or 3 miles or more must be given it. Cabo Vares may be kept close 
aboard, but with strong westerly to southwesterly winds heavy gusts 
rush down it, endangering a sailing vessel’s masts. With strong 
southerly winds the coast should be approached as near as the dangers 
off it will allow. 

In choosing an anchorage in Barquero Inlet attention should be 
paid to the time of the year and the prevailing winds. Shelter is 
obtained from northwesterly gales when Cabo Vares bears eastward 
of north. Fishermen shoot their nets right across the entrance and 
well into the inlet, which require care in avoiding. 

The coast between Cabo Vares and Estaca Point, 1.5 miles north¬ 
westward, presents a steep and nearly inaccessible front to the north¬ 
eastward, and about midway is Moinos Point, a rocky projection 
with rocks some distance off it, which should be given a good berth 
at night or when there is any sea. 

Estaca Point, the northernmost of the coast of Spain, is the north¬ 
western extremity of the rocky promontory forming the western 
side of Barquero Inlet. The point extends northwestward in a 
gentle declivity from Monte Vares, gradually narrowing and termi¬ 
nating in rugged pointed rocks. Sunken rocks extend nearly 4 mile 
north-northwestward of the point, with deep water close outside. 

Siguelos Islets. —A short distance off Estaca Point are the two 
conical rocky islets named Siguelos. The smaller, also named Esta- 
quin, is 100 yards seaward of Siguelo Grande. A little outside of 
Estaquin are two rocks scarcely covered at low water. The depth 
increases seaward from these rocks, there being 14 fathoms at the 
distance of 200 yards. In a northwesterly gale the sea breaks some 
distance outside the point, which should then be given a good berth. 

Estaca Point Light.— On the high land of Estaca Point, from an 


CARINO INLET. 


519 


$ 

octagonal light tower, 35 feet high, a fixed and flashing white light 
visible 23 miles is exhibited at an elevation of 306 feet above high 
water. The keeper’s dwelling is connected to the lighthouse. The 
lighthouse is situated 900 yards southeastward from the extremity 
of the point. 

Caution.— The coast between Estaca Point and Cape Prior is 
composed nearly throughout of steep inaccessible rugged rocks, espe¬ 
cially from Cape Ortegal to Cedeira, and is dangerous in winter, 
with northwesterly and northerly winds. With west-northwesterly 
and north-northeasterly gales, Cape Prior and the coast northeast¬ 
ward of it should have a berth of at least 6 or 7 miles, to avoid the 
heavy sea in the neighborhood of the rocky banks, or in a sailing 
vessel, in case of being becalmed. The same caution should be ob¬ 
served off Cape Ortegal and Estaca Point to avoid the calms which 
sometimes occur in their vicinity, with easterly and northeasterly 
winds. With south-southwesterly winds these points may be passed 
at a distance of 3 or 4 miles for the sake of shelter, but it is always 
prudent for a sailing vessel to keep a good offing, especially if the 
weather is doubtful or if there is a chance of its being a lee shore. 

The coast from Estaca Point, formed of steep whitish rocks 
broken by small beaches and bordered by rocks extending from 400 
to 800 yards off, trends southwest 5 miles to Bandeja Point or Cabo 
Celstigos, a rocky projection toward which it gradually becomes 
high and mountainous. Piedras Meas, a rock with 2 summits close 
together, awash at high water, lies ^ mile northwestward of Bandeja 
Point, near the extremity of a reef extending over j mile from 
the point. The sea always breaks on the rock. The passage inside 
the rocks should only be used by small craft in fine weather, for 
when there is any sea the whole channel between the rocks and 
the point is covered with breakers. In passing outside give them a 
berth of at least 600 yards. 

Ria de Santa Marta or Carino Inlet. —Between Piedras Meas 
Rock and Cabo San Julian or Seijo Point, about 2.2 miles north¬ 
westward from them, is the entrance of Ria de Santa Marta, which 
is 6.5 miles deep in a southwest direction, with arms of the sea run¬ 
ning east and west, the larger and more important being the eastern, 
which leads to the village of Ortigueira or Santa Marta, at the in¬ 
ner part of it. The inlet is navigable as far as Fraile and Carnero 
Points, about 2.7 miles within the entrance, with depths gradually 
decreasing from 18 fathoms at the entrance to 2J fathoms near the 
bar formed between the two points. 

Eastern shore.—A little more than 1 mile southwest of Bandeja 
Point is a high, steep headland, surrounded by sunken rocks, with a 
watchtower on its summit, San Antonio Bay, a small bight with a 


21235 °— 17 - 34 



520 


PUERTO SANTA MARTA. 


beach, lying between. Carnero Point, 1 mile west-southwestward of 
this headland, is the extremity of a long tongue of land separating 
two bays—Espasante, the northern of which, with the village of the 
same name in the northeastern part of it, is spacious and bordered 
by a beach, but open to the northwest. The southern bay extends 
1.5 miles eastward and nearly dries at low water. San Vicente, or 
Insua Islet, off the point, is large and covered with vegetation, having 
a passage inside it at high water. 

The western shore of the inlet between Cabo San Julian and Carino 
Point form a bay, which is clean, with a somewhat steep shore. 
Gabeira Islet lies near the shore, 0.3 mile north of Carino Point. 
Carino Point, above which are the remains of a building, is the north 
extremity of Carino Bay, about f mile in extent, which is frequented 
by coasters in moderate southwesterly winds. With strong winds 
from this quarter the swell from outside renders it a bad anchorage. 
In the middle of the bay are 4 ^ fathoms, sand, the depth gradually 
decreasing to the sandy beach. Carino Village, which has 1,642 in¬ 
habitants, is in the northern part of the bay on the slope of Alto 
del Limo. 

From Mentaron Point, the southern extremity of Carino Bay, a 
reef projects northeastward nearly £ mile, with some rocks on it 
which are awash at high water, ordinary tides. The outer one is 
steep-to and may be passed at a short distance in fathoms, sand. 
Thence the coast continues of moderate height, but high in the in¬ 
terior for nearly a mile south-southeastward, to Fraile Point, which 
has a conical islet off it and is abreast of San Vicente Islet. 

Anchorage.— Vessels bound to Ortigueira anchor in 10 to 12 
fathoms east of Carino Point in fine weather to wait tide for crossing- 

o 

the bar or to obtain a pilot from Carino. 

Puerto Santa Marta.— The bar of this port is entirely of sand, 
and has two openings, one with 15 feet, high-water springs, near 
Fraile Point and the other near San Vicente Islet. The latter chan¬ 
nel is the deeper, but the former is preferred, because the channels 
from it to Sismundi are straighter and more navigable. Within the 
bar a large sand bank extends to the south, east, and west, which is 
for the most part dry at low water, leaving channels for boats and 
flat-bottomed small craft. There are, however, some holes of 5 to 8 
fathoms water, especially near Sismundi, in which vessels anchor. 

The anchorage off the village of Sismundi is at the mouth of the 
port abreast a bend of the western shore. The village stands on a 
hill half a mile inland. The port of Santa Marta is within this an¬ 
chorage. It is obstructed with sand, and only admits vessels of 11 
feet draft at high springs, and 9 feet at neaps, which can go abreast 
Santa Marta village, and lie afloat in the channel. It is onlv fre¬ 
quented by small vessels laden with salt. Ortigueira village, called 


AGUILLONES ISLETS. 


521 


also Santa Marta, is on the eastern side of the inlet, and northern 
side of the port. It has 1,005 inhabitants. Provisions and good 
water can be obtained. 

Tides. —It is high water, full and change, at Puerto Santa Marta 
at 3h., and half an hour sooner at Sismundi; springs rise 11 feet and 
neaps 8 feet. With strong winds outside, the rise is 24 to 3 feet 
higher. 

Directions. —Ria de Santa Marta, or Carino Inlet, can only be 
frequented with safety during summer. In winter there are but few 
days that a vessel can enter or depart, in consequence of the heavy 
seas, with northwest to northeast winds, which are felt in the inlet. 
A vessel bound to Puerto Santa Marta should touch at Carino for a 
pilot, for the mouths of the channel over the bar are constantly 
changing. No vessel should attempt to enter except with smooth 
water, as the bar breaks with the least sea. Within the bar there is 
security from all winds. 

Cape Ortegal, bearing T miles 259° from Estaca Point, is precipi¬ 
tous and much broken, terminating in numerous sharp peaks, which 
rise above each other to a considerable altitude. The cape presents 
a triangular steep front to the northeastward \ mile in extent, and 
when seen from the northwest presents black and inaccessible cliffs; 
it terminates to the southeastward in Cabo San Julian, with a hermi¬ 
tage near it. A short distance northward of Cabo San Julian is 

o 

Marbeira, a rocky islet, with a passage inside it for boats. 

Aguillones Islets. —A chain of high, steep, sharp-pointed, black, 
rocky islets, the AguiHones, extends in a north-northwesterly direc¬ 
tion from Cape Ortegal. Caballo Juan, the outer one, is about f mile 
from the cape. Inshore of it are Tres Hermanos, having 3 similar 
sharp peaks; Insua Mayor, the largest; Rodicio, like a pyramid; 
and Longa, nearest the shore. Besides these islets, there are between 
and also seaward of them, some sharp-pointed rocks above water. 
Rocemada, a sunken rock, on which the sea always breaks, lies a 
short distance outside the islets, and the reef from which they rise 
extends 1 mile from the cape. There are clear passages between 
the islets and between the islets and the cape, with a depth of 9 
fathoms water. A mile north-northeastward the depth is 28 to 
32 fathoms, coarse shells, and the same distance north-northwestward 
of the outer isle there are 40 fathoms, shells and stones. 

Limo Point, about 1.5 miles west-southwestward of Cape Ortegal, 
is high, round, and precipitous to seaward, and from the northwest 
it presents table-lands of different elevations rising to the summit, on 
which is Alto del Limo watch house, 2,050 feet above the level of the 
sea. From the fall of the cape a small tongue of lowland projects, 
surrounded to the distance of 100 yards by sunken rocks, on which 
the sea always breaks. The point is not easily distinguished from 


522 


CUADRO POINT. 


the northward in consequence of the high land behind, but it may be 
known by a triangular black cliff in its vicinity. From the northeast 
it appears rounded. About 1.5 miles west-northwestward of the 
cape the soundings are 37 fathoms, rock. 

Lee Rock. —About -J mile northward of the point is Lee Rock, 
awash at low water. It is stated that deep water exists between it 
and the rocks off the point. 

Between Cape Ortegal and Limo Point the coast is high, steep, in¬ 
accessible and bordered by sunken rocks. Sailing vessels should 
give it a wide berth when there is much swell or in light winds and 
in gales, for the sea then is heavy and the currents are strong. 

Tidal streams and currents. —In its normal condition and near 
the land the flood stream sets north-northeastward and the ebb south- 
south westward. In the offing the current runs with the prevailing 
wind, being strong when the wind is fresh from northeastward or 
southwestward. The current, however, sometimes runs against the 
wind, and in fine weather a strong current has been observed setting 
eastward previous to a northeast wind which has been stronger in 
proportion to the strength of the current that preceded it. 

The coast between Limo Point and Port Cedeira, about 9 miles 
southwestward, may be passed at a distance of 1 mile without risk, 
but it is prudent to give it a berth of 3 or 4 miles, and in bad weather 
5 or 6 miles. In the winter season, when there is an appearance of 
a gale, a sailing vessel should keep still farther off. 

Cuadro Point, 2.5 miles southwestward of Limo Point, projects 
northwestward and may be recognized by a steep black cliff at its 
extremity. It descends in declivities from Monte de la Capelada, 
which is 2,048 feet above the sea. Two rocky islets lie a short dis¬ 
tance from the point, and 3 miles outside it are 34 fathoms water, 
rocky bottom. There is a 29-fathom patch, shells, about 4.5 miles 
off the point. 

The steep coast between Cuadro Point and Candelaria Point, 
about 4.7 miles west-southwestward, forms a bight 1.2 miles deep, 
at the head of which are the high Gabeiras Islets, lying near the 
land. The whole of this bight is rocky, without any sand. 

Domingo Point, 1.7 miles west-southwestward of the Gabeires, has 
some rocky islets a little distance from it, the largest being pre¬ 
cipitous, like the rest of the coast. Sunken rocks extend off 4 mile 
from the point. 

Candelaria Point is dark and steep, being the termination of a 
conical mountain which descends with abrupt declivities seaward. 
The peaks, which are formed by the rugged and unbroken land, 
terminate in isolated rocky pinnacles that decrease in size as they 
approach the sea. Candelaria watch house stands on a mountain 
1,279 feet high, but from its dark color and ruinous condition it is 


CEDEIRA. 523 

t 

scarcely distinguishable. A reef, with some of its rocky heads above 
water, surrounds the point extending off more than J mile. 

About 2.2 miles farther on is Eigil Point, west-northwestward of 
which, about 600 yards, there is said to be a shoal spot of 2J fath¬ 
oms. The point should therefore be approached with caution. 

Escaleiron Islet, 0.9 mile southward of Eigil Point, is bold. 

Pdancas or White Rocks are a group of rocks above water, about 
400 yards southward of Escaleiron Islet and 150 yards off the main¬ 
land. 

The coast from Candelaria Point to Cedeira is high and pre¬ 
cipitous. 

Port Cedeira is only adapted for vessels drawing less than 13 feet, 
for in the most sheltered .part the depths are small. It is a port of 
refuge and conveniently situated for small craft, which, in strong 
northeast winds, can not round Cape Ortegal. In these winds it is 
easily entered, and shelter is gained directly the entrance is reached. 

The entrance, 1,600 yards wide and open to the north, is between 
the Blancas and the rocks oft' Chirlateira Point. 

There are 15 fathoms at the entrance, decreasing gradually inside 
to 3 and 2 fathoms, sand. 

The anchorage is well protected from nortli-northwesterly and 
west-northwesterly winds, if they do not blow hard, but in a gale the 
swell is inconvenient. The holding ground of sand is excellent, and 
with good ground tackling there is no risk. Large vessels can find 
outer berths, but necessarily exposed. If drawing more than 11 feet, 
they should under similar circumstances run for Coruna in preference 
to this port. 

The eastern shore. —Toilido Point is close to Blancas Rocks, and 
0.6 mile southward is Sarridal Point, salient and rocky, with the 
ruins of a fort on its cliffs. Between the points is a bay 600 yards 
deep. San Antonio Chapel, white and conspicuous, is situated 600 
yards east-northeastward of Sarridal Point. 

From Sarridal Point the shore trends southeastward to a high and 
steep point on which is the ruined fort of Concepcion. East-north¬ 
eastward of this point is a bay with a beach, named Area Longa, off 
which is the best anchorage. 

Cedeira Village. —From this beach the shore continues east-south¬ 
eastward and then turns northeastward to Cedeira village, situated 
at the foot of the Sierra de Eigil, which is 820 feet high. The village 
is not visible from the anchorage, its principal front being to the east. 
A stone quay has been constructed in front of the village, alongside 
which coasters load and discharge cargo. It can only be approached 
at high water, for the eastern part of the port is encumbered with an 
extensive flat, which dries at low tide. A small rivulet runs past the 
village; it is crossed by a bridge of 6 arches, and a causeway continues 


524 


cedeira. 


over the sands. Excellent water may be had in abundance, but pro¬ 
visions are scarce. 

Chirlateira or Pantin Point, the western entrance point of Port 
Cedeira, projects northward and descends in declivities from Monte 
Borneira, a hill 535 feet high. This hill, from the north-northeast¬ 
ward, assumes the form of a sugar loaf, and near its summit is a 
small lookout house. 

A reef extends northward from Chirlateira Point, which should be 
given a wide berth. Some of the rocky heads are awash at high 
water. Meixon, the outer, is 300 yards from the point. 

The western shore from Chirlateira Point trends south-south- 
westward 1.7 miles to the Plava de Loira, or Arenal de Villarube, 
which is \ mile in length eastward and westward, with sands of large 
extent to the southward. Through these sands run the Rivers San 
Felix de Esteiro, from the southeastward, and Loire or Forcados, 
from the westward. Both are small, with bars which dry at low 
water. San Felix River is frequented by small coasters for wood 
and copper ore. 

Preguntoiro or Robaleira Point is 800 yards north-northeast¬ 
ward of Barra Point, at the eastern end of the Plaj^a de Loira, and 
from it the shore trends eastward to the sands, which extend 1,400 
yards southward of Cedeira. Preguntoiro Point is the end of the 
promontory of the same name, which has a height of 370 feet. 

Dangers—Western side of entrance.—Peton Rock lies about 
f mile northwest of Chirlateira Point. It has 7 fathoms over it, and 
is only dangerous in heavy seas. From it Sarridal Point is in line 
with Meixon Rock. A short distance outside it the depth is 27 
fathoms, and southeastward, between it and Nieto Rock, there are 
from 23 to 15 fathoms. 

About 750 yards northwestward from Chirlateira Point is Nieto 
Rock, with If fathoms over it, and about 500 yards east-southeast¬ 
ward from Nieto Rock is Laxe Rock, also with If fathoms on it, 
which breaks with the least sea. 

Badaxeira Rock, with 44 fathoms over it, and Panxallo Rock, with 
If fathoms, lie 650 yards? and 400 yards, respectively, northwestward 
from Chirlateira Point. Panxallo Rock is the first to break. Be¬ 
tween the two latter rocks there are 11 and 13 fathoms and the same 
depth between them and the land. 

Clearing mark.— Candelaria Point open of Eiras Point, south¬ 
ward of it, leads outside the rocks off Chirlateira Point. 

Half-tide Rocks, lying nearly in the middle of the port, and 
between Sarridal Point and Monte Borneira, have three heads close 
together, which cover at high water. The sea generally breaks on 
them. There are 4f to 5J fhthoms in the channel on either side; the 
northeastern channel is preferred. 


CEDEIRA. 


525 


Light.—On Robaleira Point, from a white hexagonal tower, 23 
feet in height, is exhibited, 89 feet above high water, a fixed white 
light visible 9 miles. From sea the light is obscured by the land 
except when the mouth of the port is open. 

Directions.—The port is easily entered with northwesterly and 
northeasterly winds, but it is not prudent for a square-rigged vessel 
to attempt to enter with strong winds from the opposite quarters, 
especially from the southwestward, for on nearing the entrance the 
wind draws ahead and comes down in hard squalls. 

From the westward do not approach Chirlateira Point nearer than 
1 mile until the entrance of the port is open and all the white sand 
of Loira Beach is seen, when run in, passing midway between Half- 
tide Rocks and Sarridal Point. 

Anchorage.—The usual anchorage is off Area Longa Beach- in 
1J to 2 fathoms, with the point under Fort Concepcion bearing 287° 
and Robaleira Point Lighthouse 186°. Vessels usually moor south¬ 
ward of this position. The water is deeper, there being from 2J to 3 
fathoms, but it is not so sheltered. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, in 
Port Cedeira at 3h.; springs rise 11 feet, neaps 8 feet. The rise is 
3 feet higher with northwesterly gales, and 3 feet lower with those 
from the eastward. The greatest rate of the stream is 1 knot an 
hour. 

The coast between Chirlateira Point and Prados Point, 2.7 miles 
to the southwest, is high, dark, and precipitous, with several small 
projections forming bays with sandy beaches. Pantin Bay is the 
largest and easternmost of the bays and Pantin village stands a short 
distance inland. Torella Point, J mile northeast of Prados Point, 
has some rocks off it. 

Prados Point is high, black, and steep. The Arenal de la Froux- 
eira commences southward of Prados Point and extends westward 
for 1.5 miles. The sand rising inland is conspicuous. The beach is 
clear and may be approached, especially at its eastern end. A vessel 
driven toward it in bad weather should make for the western end, 
which is not so steep-to as the other part, in order to save the crew. 
At the eastern end of the beach is the entrance of Frouxeira Lake, 
which is shallow, and the channel into it will only admit fishing 
vessels at high water. 

Frouxeira Point, westward of the beach, is low, round, and 
several rocks extend off it above and below water for about 600 yards. 

Bermeo Bank, 3.2 miles northwestward of Frouxeira Point, is 
over 1 mile in length east and west and a little less north and south, 
with a depth of 16 fathoms on it, but a depth of 9 fathoms has 
been reported. The sea breaks on the bank in heavy northwesterly 
weather. One mile northward of this bank there is said to be another 


526 


CAPE PRIOR. 


of small extent with a least depth of 18 fathoms on it, outside which 
the depths increase rapidly. This bank is not shown on the charts. 
These banks are frequented by fishing boats, conger eels and codfish 
abounding on them. It is advisable to pass 8 to 9 miles from the 
coast between Cedeira and Cape Prior in strong west-northwesterly 
winds, as a heavy sea gets up in this locality. 

The coast southwestward of Frouxeira Point is low, backed by 
high land, with small bays, and bordered with sunken rocks as far 
as Monte Campelo, which rises to the height of 752 feet above the 
sea, and from the west-northwest presents the form of a large saddle, 
but from the northeast appears conical. The largest of these bays is 
Portonovo, in which coasters obtain shelter in north-northeasterly 
and north-northwesterly winds in summer, but it must be left the 
moment there is an appearance of the wind becoming northwesterly. 
There are 4J to 54 fathoms sand in the bay, and it is terminated by 
a beach. The entrance is at the extremity of the eastern slope of 
Monte Campelo. The eastern entrance point is high and appears 
like an island, with a conical rock near it. 

From the western fall of Monte Campelo the coast, bordered with 
rocks, sunken and above water, is steep and of moderate height as 
far as a bay on the eastern side of Santa Comba Point. Cobas Bay 
lies on the western side of the point. 

Cape Prior, 7 miles southwestward of Frouxeira Point, is the 
western extremity of a rock and high peninsula, which presents a 
steep front bordered with sunken rocks, nearly 1.5 miles long to the 
northwest. Cobas Beach, on the eastern side of this peninsula, and 
that of San Jorge on the southern, both low, and separated by a 
narrow tract of level land, give it the appearance of an island from 
the southwestward and northeastward. From the northwestward 
it is backed by the highland of the interior, but there are several 
small peaks on its summit, one in particular, 620 feet high, being 
prominent and conspicuous, with a lookout house on it. 

Light. —In the middle of the slope of the peninsula and on a cliff 
which projects to the northeast is Cape Prior Lighthouse, a hexago¬ 
nal tower, 23 feet high, over a square white house. From it is exhib¬ 
ited, at an elevation of 446 feet above high water, an occulting white 
light, visible 15 miles. 

Cabalo Rocks extend 1.2 miles north-northeastward from the 
northern extremity of Cape Prior Peninsula. They are small, with 
the exception of one, which is high, but the sea breaks on the reefs sur¬ 
rounding them with the least swell. 

San Jorge Bay, called also Do-rios, on the southern side of the 
peninsula, is formed between Cela Point on the north and Erbosa 
Point on the south. The bay, about 1 mile wide and deep, with San 
Jorge Beach at its head, affords temporaary shelter from notheasterly 


MONTE VENTOSO. 


527 


and southeasterly winds, but caution must be used so as not to be in 
:t with the wind on-shore. Cela Point is rocky and the steep, dark 
land rise from it to the cape. Erbosa Point is low and steep, and off 
it is an islet of the same name, with a channel between for small ves¬ 
sels in fine weather. 

Nearly a mile southward of Erbosa Point is Gabeiras Point, about 
400 yards off which there are the two Gabeiras Islets, dark, barren, 
and pointed rocks, connected by a reef over which boats can pass 
at high water. Between them and the mainland is a channel, narrow 
and not navigable, and southwestward of them the ground is foul. 

A rocky bank, with 9 to 18 fathoms water over it, runs about 2.5 
miles northwestward from the islets, and the sea sometimes breaks 
on it in heavy weather. The northern end of the bank is situated 
approximately with Candelaria Point just open northward of Cape 
Prior and distant 2 miles from that cape. 

Between Gabeiras Point and Serantes or Golfin Point, a rocky 
projection 1.7 miles to the southward, is Playa de Doninos, a sandy 
beach, off which vessels may anchor temporarily, with easterly winds 
in 8 to 12 fathoms, fine sand. 

A shoal with a depth of 44 fathoms lies 3 miles 11° from Cape 
Prior; between it and the cape are several other rocks, named Los 
Delgados; Limo Point, well open of Candelaria Point, leads north¬ 
ward of them. 

About 400 yards inland from the midle of the beach is Doninos 
Lake, which is of an oval form, its greatest length lying east and 
west, and its depth reaches 6J fathoms. It has no visble communi¬ 
cation with the sea. 

The currents off Cape Prior are generally caused by the wind. 
Caution must be used in passing the cape with a a west-northwesterly 
gale and much sea, as the current is then strong and sets toward the 
Tand. With moderate winds and smooth water it should have a berth 
of 1 to 2 miles. In the bend of the coast between Cape Prior and 
Sisargas Islands to the southwest, and genrally on the whole north¬ 
west face of the peninsula, the currents are very strong, especially 
when combined with the heavy sea from that quarter. Near the 
coast the flood tidal stream sets east-northeastward, and the ebb 
steam west-southwestward, forming eddies in the bays and off the 
salient points, but its limts are undefined. 

Monte Ventoso, rising to the height of 810 feet about 1,400 yards 
eastward of Serantes or Golfin Point, is isolated, with a watchtower 
on its summit. 

Signal station.—At the watch tower is a semaphore station con¬ 
nected by telegraph and vessels can communicate by the interna¬ 
tional code. Storm signals are also made at the semaphore station. 


528 


FERROL. 


Cape Priorino. —At a little more than 1 mile south-southwestward 
from Serantes Point is Cape Priorino Grande, the western extremity 
of a tongue of land projecting southwestward from Monte Yentoso, 
which from its resemblance to Cape Prior is named Cape Priorino. 
Cape Priorino Grande is of moderate height, rocky, dark, and rather 
bluff. A reef, the Cabalos Rock, awash at low-water springs, lies 
100 yards from its southern part. 

Cape Priorino Chico, the southern extremity of the tongue of 
land and the northwest entrance point of Ferrol, is of moderate 
height, rocky, dark, and may be approached to 200 yards; about half¬ 
way up its southern face is the lighthouse and 100 yards east-north- 
eastward of it is a fort. Two large wooden beacons, marking one 
end of a measured base, are placed a short distance north-northeast¬ 
ward of the lighthouse. Numerous rocks lie along the coast, \ mile 
in length, between the capes. 

Light. —F rom a white octagonal tower on a white square house, 
16 feet high, on Cape Priorino Chico, an alternating fixed and flash¬ 
ing light is exhibited, 82 feet above high water. The fixed light 
is visible 10 miles and the flash 13 miles. (See Light List.) 

Off-lying banks. —Lajinas are two.rocky patches of 16 and 12 
fathoms, with from 21 to 40 fathoms around them, lying, respectively, 
4 and 3 miles 270° from Cape Priorino Grande. 

Cabezos de Osas is a shoal spot of 16 fathoms, with from 24 to 
32 fathoms around it, lying 2.7 miles 253° from Cape Priorino 
Grande. 

Shoal reported.— The steamer Espagne , of the Compagnie 
Generate Transatlantique, touched on a shoal or obstruction in 1911, 
at a distance of 3 miles 298° from Cape Priorino Chico Lighthouse. 

Ferrol Harbor. —Between Cape Priorino and Orzan Point, about 
5.2 miles south-southwestward, the coast recedes to the east, and 
forms a large bight, in which are the inlets of Ferrol, Ares, Betan- 
zos, and Coruna. Ferrol, the northern inlet, running eastward about 
8 miles, is inclosed by high land and is an excellent harbor, afford¬ 
ing shelter from all winds. From its entrance between Cape Prio¬ 
rino Chico and Coitelada Point, which bear 309° and 129° from 
each other, distance 1.2 miles, the two shores incline irregularly 
toward each other, and about 1.5 miles within they form a narrow 
channel, 1.5 miles long, and in some parts barely 400 yards wide, 
inside which is a spacious harbor. Its greatest capacity, convenient 
depth, excellent holding ground, and more especially its arsenal and 
basin constitute it one of the best and safest ports of Spain. 

Carino Bay, on the northern shore of the entrance to Ferrol, and 
between Cape Priorino Chico and the point on which San Carlos 
Castle is situated, is 1.7 miles wide, 0.6 mile deep, with general 
depths of 7 to 11 fathoms over sand. The shores of the bay are 


FERROL. 


529 


rocky and barren, with high land within. It is clear of danger, and 
is much resorted to in easterly winds by sailing vessels with insuffi¬ 
cient daylight to work into the harbor. 

Anchorage. —The bay is sheltered from northwesterly through 
north to southeasterly winds, and is considered tolerably secure from 
all others, for those from the southward do not blow home nor raise 
much sea. The best berth is in 8 to 11 fathoms, J mile off the beach 
at the head of the bay; but a vessel intending to enter the harbor 
should anchor farther out, with the channel open. 

The batteries of Vinas, Carino, and San Cristobal on the shores of 
the bay are in ruins. 

Channel to Ferrol. —The two shores of the channel are rocky and 
barren, excepting some patches of cultivation on the shore of Leu- 
sada Bay, where there are several storehouses and other buildings. 
The land on either side is high, Monte San Cristobal, on the north¬ 
ern side, being 459 feet, and Monte Faro, on the southern, 856 feet 
above the sea. 

Depths. —The general depths in the channel are 7 to 12 fathoms, 
sand, gravel, stones, and shells, but the least depth is 44 fathoms at 
low water, about 100 yards westward of the northern end of Palma 
Shoal. A 5j-fathom spot lies 50 yards northward of the shoal and 
on the intersection of the clearing marks for that danger. There 
are holes of 13 to 19 fathoms in the narrows between San Martin 
and San Felipe Castles, and northwestward of San Martin Castle 
the water is also deeper. Owing to the irregularity of the bottom 
in the vicinity of these rocks other shoal heads may exist. 

The least depth is 44 fathoms at low water, over the rock newly 
discovered off Palma Shoal, and outside the clearing mark, formerly 
given for this shoal. Depths of from 7 to 10 fathoms surround this 
rock to the northward and westward in the channel. 

Light buoys.— The channel is marked by 5 light buoys, 3 on the 
northern and 2 on the southern side, which are mentioned with the 
dangers they indicate. 

Anchorage. —There is anchorage in any part of the channel where 
the bottom is sand and gravel, but the southern shore, where there 
are several rocks, should be avoided. 

Northern side.—San Carlos Castle, a fort on the northern shore, 
crowns a rocky and shelving point situated about 700 yards 231° 
from Monte San Cristobal, and is the north entrance point of the 
channel leading to Ferrol Harbor. About 0.7 mile east-northeast¬ 
ward of San Carlos Castle and on the same shore is San Felipe Castle, 
which is large and one of the principal defenses of the entrance. 
It projects a little distance southward, but the water is shallow in 
its vicinity, especially on its western side in the bight between it and 


i 


530 


FERROL. 


Velhas Point. From San Felipe Castle the shore recedes northward 
about £ mile, when it turns east-southeastward over £ mile to Vispon 
Point, forming Leusada Bay. Yispon Point has some rocks lying 
a short distance off it, and is the eastern point of the channel, whence 
the shore trends north-northeastward. 

Southern side.—Coitelada and Segano Points, the southern 
entrance points, are rocky and of moderate height, and between 
them is Chanteiro Bay, with a sand beach at its head, and Chanteiro 
Hermitage, £ mile inland. Two large wooden beacons, marking one 
end of a measured base, are placed on Coitelada Point. 

Signal station. —Segano Point is commanded by a hill, on the 
summit of which is a watch house with a flagstaff to repeat signals 
from the station on Mount Yentoso. 

Segano Point is bordered bv rocks, some of which are above water. 

From Segano Point the southern shore of the channel runs east- 
northeastward about 1.2 miles to the point on which is the Castle of 
San Martin, between which and Yelhas Point the distance is less 
than 400 yards; both points are bold to about 50 yards from them. 
From San Martin Castle the shore continues east-northeastward 
900 yards to La Palma Castle, Nande Bay lying between. Off La 
Palma Castle is the narrowest part of the navigable channel, barely 
200 yards wide. 

Redonda (Round) Point, £ mile eastward of Palma Castle, is 
large, rounded, and forms the eastern entrance point of the channel. 
There is a pier on the eastern side of the point. 

Dangers—Northern side of channel—-San Felipe. —From San 
Felipe Castle a rocky reef extends 50 yards southward, with a shoal 
on which is a depth of 2£ fathoms at low water about 50 yards farther 
southward. 

^ * 

Light buoy. —A red cylindrical light buoy, No. 1, showing a fixed 
red light, is moored at the southern edge of a rock with 30 feet of 
water over it. It is 920 yards 100° from Monte San Cristobal. This 
shoal is known as Bajo del Gato. 

Rock. —A rock with 5 fathoms over it at low water lies 240 yards 
150° from the western extremity of San Felipe Castle. 

Leusada Bay. —Shoal water runs round Leusada Bay, depths of 
from 2| to 4 fathoms extending 300 yards from the northern shore, 
and leaving a deep channel about 200 yards wide northward of 
Palma Shoal. 

Light buoy.— A red cylindrical light buoy, No. 3, exhibiting a 
fixed red light, is moored in 6£ fathoms southwestward of the shoal 
in Leusada Bay. 

Pereiro Rock, awash at low water, lies 80 yards offshore about 
350 yards westward of Vispon Point. Between Pereiro Rock and 


FERROL. 531 

Vispon Point the ground is foul and shoal water extends 200 yards 
offshore. 

Vispon Point—Light buoy. —A red cylindrical light buoy, No. 5, 
exhibiting a fixed red light, is moored in 7 fathoms water south¬ 
ward of Vispon Point, 240 yards 201° from the powder magazine, 
and marks the edge of the shoal ground extending from that point. 

Southern side.—La Muela Rock, about 20 yards in extent, with 
5 feet water over it, lies 100 yards northwestward of La Muela, the 
northern extremity of Segano Point, and the weeds on it generally 
show its position. Between La Muela Rock and Segano Point is a 
narrow channel with a least depth of 4f fathoms in it. 

Light buoy. —A black conical light buoy, No. 2, showing a fixed 
green light, is moored in 10 fathoms of water on the north side of La 
Muela Rock. 

Clearing mark. —The southwestern angle of the infantry bar¬ 
racks, a large square building at Ferrol, shut in behind the land on 
the northern side of the channel, leads north of La Muela Rock in 
7 fathoms. 

Batel Rock, 0.6 mile eastward of the northern extremity of Segano 
Point, dries 1 foot at low-water springs. It lies about 100 yards off 
the southern shore. 

Cabalino and Cabalo Rocks are situated on the southern side of 
the channel over 0.8 mile eastward of Segano Point and 70 yards 
apart. Cabalino, the western rock, lies 100 yards from the shore 
and is awash at low-water springs. Cabalo Rock, 60 yards offshore, 
has three heads, which dry 13 feet at low water. 

Palma Shoal. —From La Palma Castle and along the shore in its 
vicinity a reef projects northwestward 100 yards; 200 yards north¬ 
ward of the castle is Palma Shoal, about 200 yards in extent east 
and west, with a least depth of 3| fathoms upon it. 

Rock. —A rock with L| fathoms over it lies about 100 yards west¬ 
ward of the northern end of Palma Shoal. 

Light buoy. —A conical light buoy, No. 4, painted black and ex¬ 
hibiting a fixed green light, is moored on the northern edge of the 
shoal in about 6 fathoms. 

Clearing marks. —The summit of Mount San Cristobal in line 
with the center window of white house in San Felipe Castle bearing 
268° leads northward of Palma Shoal. Shoal water extends 100 
yards offshore eastward of Palma Castle and nearly 200 yards north¬ 
eastward of Redonda Point. 

Lights. —On the point 110 yards eastward of La Palma Castle, 
from a conical granite tower rising a little above a white square 
house 25 feet in height, is exhibited 38 feet above high water an oc¬ 
culting white light visible 9 miles. 


532 


FERROL. 


Curuxeiras Mole.— On the southeastern end of Curuxeiras Mole, 
at the west end of the town of Ferrol, an occulting white light visible 
9 miles is exhibited at an elevation of 30 feet above high water from 
an iron support 20 feet high. 

Port of Ferrol. —Eastward of Redonda and Vispon Points is the 
spacious port formed by the shores opening northward and south¬ 
ward, afterwards recurving and gradually narrowing eastward. 

Northern shore—Malata Bay.— From Vispon Point the shore 
trends north-northeastward, and on it at about half a mile from the 
point begins the town of La Grana. About ^ mile eastward of La 
Grana is Ferrol town, and between is Malata Bay, which extends 
northward and terminates in a beach, through which Serantes River 
flows. The depth in Malata Bay is generally 6 to 8 fathoms, but 
northward of La Grana Pier it quickly shoals to 1 fathom and less. 

Ferrol Basin. —Southward of Ferrol town is the dockyard basin, 
J mile in length and 400 yards in width. The basin is tidal, and is 
formed by moles with its entrance open to the south-southeast. It is 
divided by an inner mole into an outer and inner basin. Round the 
basin are workshops and other buildings. On its northern side are 
the high sheers, which are used as a mark for clearing Palma Shoal, 
and between the dockyard and Caranza Bay are the infantry bar¬ 
racks, a large square building. 

The basin is to be dredged to 33 feet at low water, and its entrance 
is to be widened to 492 feet; the depth at present is from 26J to 2T| 
feet. A new breakwater 577 feet long is to be built out from the 
south corner of the west breakwater. 

Caranza Bay. —On the western side of Caranza Bay, which is 
shallow, are the naval yard and building slips. Caranza Point, the 
eastern entrance point of this bay, lies 2.7 miles 78° from Vispon 
Point. 

From Caranza Point, near which is a chapel, Jubia Bay runs north- 
northeastward 2.5 miles, the depths gradually decreasing, and Jubia 
River, which is of some size and navigable at high water as far as 
the bridge, falls into its head. 

Southern shore.—Bano Bay, between Redonda and Piteiro 
Points, extends \ mile southward, and is generally shoal, with a 
beach, through which Esteiro Rivulet flows. 

Leiras Point, 1,300 yards northeastward of Redonda Point, has 
shoal water extending 200 yards off it. San Cristobal Mount in line 
with Vispon Point leads northward of this shoal water. Mugardos 
Village, with 2,000 inhabitants mostly engaged in fishing, lies on the 
shores of a little bay westward of Leiras Point. 

From Leiras Point the southern shore of the inlet trends eastward 
and northward to Jubia River, and it is all bordered by shoal water. 

El Seijo Village is situated on the eastern side of a shallow bay 


FERROL. 


533 


formed by Promontorio and Seijo Points, and is 1.1 miles south- 
southeastward of the eastern end of Ferrol Basin. 

Tides and tidal streams.—It is high water, full and change, in 
I errol Harbor at 2h. 45m.; ordinary springs rise 12f feet, springs 
range 11J feet. The rise is sometimes 8 inches higher with strong 
westerly winds. The time of high water is regular at springs, but 
irregular at neap tides. 

The flood stream sets toward Segano Point and must be guarded 
against with scant winds. 

In the narrows between San Felipe and Redonda Point the streams 
in mid-channel take, generally, the direction of the channel, but 
setting toward the bights in the different bends, both on flood and 
ebb. From Redonda Point the flood sets straight for Leiras Point, 
where it often causes a rip. The ebb stream out of Bano Bay runs 
strongly around Redonda Point. 

The greatest velocity of the streams is about 3 knots in the nar¬ 
rows. The streams turn slightly after high and low water on the 
shore. 

Winds.—The prevailing winds at Ferroll and also on the coasts 
in this vicinity are northeasterly in summer and southwesterly in 
winter. The northeasterly wind is attended with clear weather, and 
is only interrupted by southwesterly or westerly winds of short dura¬ 
tion. It sets in regularly at about 10 a. m., and dies away in the 
evening. If it blows in winter it is attended with thick, cloudy 
weather and rain, and is known as a gray northeaster. 

Winds between south and west, known as vendavales, blow with 
great strength and bring dirty weather. In the inlet they come down 
in heavy squalls. Even in the summer they are attended with bad 
and thick weather, obscuring the coast. Westerly to northwesterly 
winds bring clear weather, and although they are strong and accom¬ 
panied by a heavy sea, they are fair for entering the harbor. 

Southerly winds are attended with thick weather and blow with 
great violence. 

Directions.—From the northward or northeastward it is well to 
make Cape Prior when bound to Ferrol; and from the westward 
the break formed by Mounts Ventoso and Faro, which rise abruptly, 
is a good mark. The best winds for a sailing vessel to enter with are 
from south-southwest, through west, to north-northwest. 

Cape Priorino Grande may be rounded at a moderate distance, 
as there are 11 fathoms water 200 yards from it, but a sufficient 
berth must be given to Cabalos Rock. After passing Cape Priorino 
Chico, steer eastward, keeping in mid-channel, or borrowing on either 
side according to the wind. 

Pass northward of La Muela Rock, which is marked by a light 
buoy painted black, steering then to midway between San Carlos 


534 


FERROL. 


Castle and the southern shore, and to midway between Yelhas Point 
and San Martin Castle. Then bring the sheers on the northern side 
of Ferrol Basin in line with the southern side of the outer building 
on Yispon Point, which leads southward of the foul ground off San 
Felipe Castle and of the red light buoy off it. When abreast that 
castle, edge northward and bring the sheers on with the northern 
part of the outer building on Vispon Point, which mark leads north¬ 
ward of Palma Shoal, which has a light buoy, painted black, on 
its northern side. 

When Piteiro Point is well open northward of Redonda Point, 
alter course eastward and bring the summit of San Cristobal Mount 
in line with the center window of the white house in San Felipe 
Castle, bearing 268°, which mark on astern leads in the fairway be¬ 
tween Vispon and Redonda Points, whence proceed as convenient 
to the anchorage, keeping over 200 yards from either shore. The 
tidal streams must be considered. 

| Note.— The buoyage of Ferrol Harbor can not be depended on.] 

With fresh southwesterly or southerly winds be prepared in a 
sailing vessel for the heavy squalls which come down from Monte 
Faro. With adverse winds a sailing vessel should enter on the 
flood, and in consequence of the many boards necessary in turning 
through the narrows it is prudent for a stranger to take a pilot, who 
will come out on the signal being made, unless heavy weather pre¬ 
vents, when the pilot remains under Sagano Point. If the wind 
is too strong to work to windward, shelter may be found in Carino 
Bay, or at Ares Bay or Coruna. 

Caution.—The directions here given do not lead clear of the 
newly discovered 30-foot rock off San Felipe Castle, or that of 27 
feet off Palma Shoal, the sheers having to be open of Vispon Point 
for the former and almost shut in invisible behind the point for the 
latter. To avoid passing over these rocks necessitates larger altera¬ 
tions of course in the narrows, made in quick succession, and with 
great precision allowing for the steering capacities, advance, etc., of 
the vessel. Close study of the plan in conjunction with this knowl¬ 
edge being imperative to avoid them, and the depths over them 
being considerable, amended directions are not given. 

At night.—In fine weather and with a fair wind there is no diffi¬ 
culty in approaching Ferrol and anchoring in Carino Bay, which is 
well pointed out by the light on Cape Priorino Chico. Vessels in 
charge of a pilot can enter the harbor at night, passing northward of 
the light buoys (2 in number) with fixed green lights, and southward 
of those (3 in number) with fixed reel lights, paying attention to the 
rote above respecting the buoyage. 

Caution.—It is not prudent to approach Ferrol or Coruna at 
night with thick southwesterly weather when the lights on the coast 


FERROL. 


535 


can not be seen, as the position of the vessel may be affected by cur¬ 
rents; a vessel then, or if there is insufficient daylight to enter the 
port, should stand off and on the Sisargas Isles during the night 
a cording to the state of the weather, bearing in mind that there is 
always a slight indraft toward the land. 

With fresh southwesterly winds, the current sets with great 
strength northeastward along the coast between Sisargas Islets and 
Cape Ortegal, and sailing vesels must guard against being carried 
to leeward of their port, for there is no place of shelter or safety 
eastward of Ferrol on the whole coast, except the inlets of Cedeira, 
Barquero, and Vivero. 

Anchorage. —The best anchorage in the harbor is in Malata Bay, 
between the town of Ferrol and that of La Grana, which affords 
excellent shelter from all winds. Merchant vessels anchor in the 
middle of the bay, in 6 to 8 fathoms, shells and muddy sand, good 
holding ground. Small vessels to have more complete shelter lie 
nearer La Grana and vessels loading or discharging cargo nearer to 
Ferrol to be convenient to Curuxeiras Mole at the west end of that 
town. Five mooring buoys are placed in Malata Bay. 

Vessels of war usually anchor off the basin in 7 to 9 fathoms, but 
this position is exposed to southerly and southwesterly winds and the 
heavy squalls which accompany them. The anchorage in Malata 
Bay should be preferred in winter. 

Lomba Shoal, situated 800 yards southeastward of the south¬ 
western extremity of the basin moles, has a depth of 4J fathoms, 
rock, and must be avoided when anchoring. 

Light buoy. —Lomba Shoal is marked by a conical light buoy, 
painted red and black in horizontal bands, exhibiting a fixed red 
lio-ht, moored in 41 fathoms on the southeastern side of the shoal. 

Ferrol Town, about | mile eastward of La Grana, on the northern 
side of the harbor, between Malata and Caranza Bays, is divided into 
two parts—the old town and the modern. The old town, forming 
the western part, occupies the summit and southern slope of a hill 
about 260 feet high; the new town extends east-northeast from the 
foot of this hill, terminating eastward near the suburb of Esteiro, 
the whole containing, in the year 1900, a population of 25,281 and 
surrounded by a strong wall and numerous batteries. 

Trade—Shipping. —The chief imports are coal, cement, cotton, 
cereals, and timber, and the exports pitwood and copper ore. In 
1913, 246 vessels, of a tonnage of 270,208 tons, entered the port. 

The customhouse and quarantine regulations are the same as at 
other Spanish ports. There are no wharf dues. 

Communication.— There is frequent steam communication to 
Spanish ports and also to England, and steamers run every morn¬ 
ing to Coruna, returning in the afternoon, A daily coach runs to 
21235°— 17 - 35 



536 


FERROL. 


Betanzos to join the railroad from Coruna to Madrid, and there is 
telegraphic communication, the office being always open. A railroad 
between Ferrol and Betanzos, which crosses Jubia Bay by a bridge, 
connects with the Nord-este Railroad. 

A coast railroad is to be constructed between Ferrol and San 
Estaban de Pravia, Gijon, and Irun. 

There is a small radio station for communication with Coruna. 

Hospital.—There is no special hospital for sailors, but there is a 
private one, where they are admitted provided they have no con¬ 
tagious disease, the fees being from 40 cents to 65 cents per day, in¬ 
cluding food and medicines. There is a hospital for naval and mili¬ 
tary officers, and a military hospital. 

Climate.—The climate at Ferrol is mild, both in summer and 
winter, and there are no diseases for which special precautions are 
necessary. 

Repairs to hull and machinery can be effected at the royal dock¬ 
yard, but the work is rather slow, and, as there are a great many 
formalities to be gone through, much time is lost. At the dockyard 
there is a fitting shop with traveling cranes and machines, a foundry 
where cylinders and large casting are made, and a smithery with 
steam hammers and forges. Alongside the basin are sheers to lift 
100 tons. There are two private building yards at La Grana, where 
repairs to hull can be effected afloat, but only small repairs can be 
made to machinery. 

A floating crane, capable of lifting 150 tons, is in use at the dock- 

vard. 

*/ 

Docks.—There is a dry dock at the Royal Dockyard; there is also a 
patent slip. A second dry dock is under construction. (For dimen¬ 
sions of docks and patent slip, see Appendix II). 

Coal.—There are two coal hulks belonging, respectively, to the 
Ferrol Coaling Co. and the Ferrol Depot Coaling Co. Each com¬ 
pany keeps an average stock of from 500 to 1,000 tons of Welsh coal 
and has from six to eight lighters taking from 50 to 80 tons each. 
The Perez Mole, with a length of 650 feet and with 6 to 15 feet 
alongside, is used as a coal store. 

On the outer breakwater is a store containing 2,000 tons of coal. 
The total Government stock is about 5,000 tons. Steamers are coaled 
by means of lighters; labor is plentiful, and from 150 to 550 tons 
can be loaded in 24 hours- 

The hulk belonging to the Ferrol Coaling Co. is moored off Campo 
Santo Point, west side of entrance to Malata Bay. Another hulk is 
moored 1,100 yards farther northeastward. 

Water and supplies.—Ferrol has abundance of water, and ex¬ 
cellent provisions at reasonable prices. There are also ample supplies 
of all kinds. 


FERROL. 


537 


Ares and Betanzos Inlets, formed in the deep gulf between 
Ferrol and Coruna, have sufficient depth for vessels of all sizes; but as 
the deep-water space is exposed to westerly and northwesterly winds, 
they are only frequented by vessels whose draft will allow of their 
running farther in for shelter. Ares Inlet occupies the northeastern 
portion of the gulf and Betanzos Inlet the southern portion. Both 
have good holding ground and are free from rocks, with the excep¬ 
tion of Miranda Bank, lying nearly in the middle of the entrance of 
the gulf, and Serron de la Torella Reef, lying 800 yards 6° from 
Torella Point. These, however, to a certain extent shelter the anchor¬ 
age from the heavy northwesterly seas. 

Anchorage.—If with strong northwesterly winds a vessel is off 
the entrance of this bight and unable to get either into Ferrol or 
Coruna, anchorage may be taken directly eastward of Miranda 
Bank with the certainty that, if the ground tackle is good, the 
anchor clear, and a hundred fathoms of chain given, however hard 
it may blow there will be no risk of dragging. 

The coast from Coitelada Point trends southeastward. Eight hun¬ 
dred yards from the point is a small bay called Areoso, in which fish¬ 
ing boats take refuge in northeasterly winds; 1,200 yards farther is 
Averenta Point, with a cove on its eastern side which shelters coast¬ 
ers from the north-northeast. Thence the coast curvoe nearly 2 miles 
to Miranda Point, and between Coitelada and Miranda Points it is 
of moderate height, steep, and rocky, with some rocks at its foot. 

Miranda Point and Islets.—Miranda Point is low and rocky, 
and off it are Miranda Islets, connected with the point by a reef of 
rocks, which almost all dries at low water. The outer and largest 
islet is 45 feet high and nearly circular. Mirandita, the next, is 
smaller and of a conical form. Both are whitened and inhabited by 
sea birds; the others are bare rocks. The group extends about 600 
yards west-southwestward from the point. 

Miranda Bank, lying \ mile 242° from the outer islet, is a dan¬ 
gerous rocky reef, 300 yards in extent, with two heads, on one of 
which there are 15 feet at low water, and in bad weather the whole 
extent is covered with breakers. The channel between it and the 
islet has 5 fathoms water, sand and rock, and is sufficiently wide for 
any vessel in fine weather, but when there is much sea it is dangerous 
even* for a small-vessel. With smooth water the bank is indicated 
by the tidal eddies over it. 

Clearing marks.—To pass between the bank and the islets keep 
Cape Priorino Chico shut in with Coitelada Point; and to pass out¬ 
side the bank, keep Cape Priorino Chico well open westward of 
Coitelada Point, bearing 317°, until Raso Beach opens southward of 
Ares Point. 


538 


ARES BAY. 


Light buoy.—A conical light buoy, painted red, with cylindrical 
top mark, and exhibiting a fixed red light, is moored south-south- 
westward of the bank. This buoy should be left on the port hand 
when proceeding up the inlet. 

Ares Inlet—North side.—La Cruz de Paella Point, the north¬ 
western entrance point of Ares Inlet, lies 0.6 mile east-southeastward 
of Miranda Point, is of moderate height, with a reef extending a 
short distance from it, and requires a berth of 400 yards. About 
600 yards northeastward of Paella Point is Ares Point, the inter¬ 
mediate coast being reddish and cliffy, with several detached rocks. 
Ares Point is rocky and slopes to the sea; a reef extends nearly 200 
yards off it. On the cliff's over the point, 85 feet above the sea, is 
Ares Castle, now in ruins, as is also the guardhouse, a short distance 
westward of it. 

Ares Bay, on the northern side of Ares Inlet, between Ares Point 
on the west and Mouron Islet on the east, is somewhat less than a 
mile wide, -J mile deep, and affords good shelter to small vessels from 
winds from southwest through north to east, although southwesterly 
winds cause some sea; but vessels of much draft must keep well out 
and are consequently exposed to winds between southwest and north¬ 
west. With strong northwesterly winds a heavy sea sets into the 
bay, when vessels in the outer anchorage, if their draft will admit, 
should run to the eastward and anchor off Redes in 2J fathoms, soft 
mud, where there is better shelter. 

The bay is bordered by a beach, but there are some rocks off Raso 
and Pena Ciscada Point, between which is Raso Beach. 

Pena Ciscada Point is a cliff at the northeastern end of the village. 

Mouron Islet, off Camoco Point, the eastern point of the bay, is 
about 60 feet high, covered with vegetation, and is so close to the 
shore that a boat can scarcely pass inside it at high water. There 
are some rocks over 200 yards east-northeastward of the point. 

Ares Village.—Ares Village, with 1,900 inhabitants, is on the 
western shore. Water may be obtained from a fountain a short dis¬ 
tance from the beach eastward of the village. Supplies are scarce 
and must be brought from Ferrol. A wharf with three loading and 
discharging places extends along in front of the village. The central 
one is used, as the others can only be approached at high water by 
small craft. 

Anchorage.—Coasting vessels anchor off the village in 5 to 7 
feet, fine sand, or, with the guardhouse on with the castle, 400 yards 
from Ares Point, in about 2J fathoms, muddy sand, good holding 
ground, and larger vessels farther out in 3 to 4 fathoms. The bay is 
said to be shoaling. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, in Ares Bay at 2h. 
30m.; springs rise 12 feet, but the rise is affected by the prevailing 


REDES BAY. 539 

winds, being 1 to 1J feet more with southwesterly winds and 1 to 1J 
feet less with northeasterly. 

Redes Bay, at the head of Ares Inlet, eastward of Mouron Islet 
and Leusada Point, is about 0.6 mile wide and 1.5 miles deep up to 
Magdalena and Macuca Points. Although open to westerly winds, 
it affords shelter to small vessels and safety to others from its excel¬ 
lent holding ground. 

The depth in the bay is not more than 2J fathoms eastward of the 
meridian of Redes Castle, which is a ruin standing on the cliffs of 
Redes Point on the northern shore, but, the bottom being soft mud, 
a vessel may ground without risk. 

Redes Village is small and built on a declivity of the land in a 
little bight on the north side of Redes Point. The church, on a 
height northeastward of the town, is conspicuous. 

The bay above Magdalena and Macuca Points is filled with sand 
banks, which are nearly all covered at high water, and the shores 
trend southeastward to the bridge across Eume River, which here 
flows into the bay. The bridge communicates with Puentedeume, a 
village on the southwestern shore, with 1,873 inhabitants. Coasting 
vessels can get up to the bridge at high water. A railroad bridge is 
being constructed across the Eume River about 400 yards below the 
bridge at Puentedeume. The passage for vessels is marked by two 
white lights 76 yards apart. 

South side of Inlet. —The shore between Leusada Point and 
Puentedeume is steep and of little height. Monte San Miguel cle 
Breamo, rising 968 feet above the sea, to the southwest of Puente¬ 
deume, is covered with cultivation, all the other parts of the inlet 
being barren, and there is a chapel on its summit. 

Anchorage. —Vessels drawing 10 to 12 feet anchor with Redes 
Village bearing 318°, and Torrella Point just shut in with Mouron 
Islet; if of lighter draft, nearer the shore. Larger vessels obtain 
some shelter in 3 to 4J fathoms, mud, in the middle of Redes Bay, 
between Mouron Islet and Redes Castle. This berth is exposed to 
the west-southwestward, and the vessel’s head should be kept to the 
sea by a small anchor to the eastward, or the ebb stream from the 
Eume will swing her broadside on. 

The coast from Leusada Point trends south-southwestward 1.5 
miles to Carboeira Point, and is moderately high, rocky, with a small 
beach in its middle part. Carboeira Point, the eastern entrance point 
of Betanzos Inlet, has a small islet off it. 

Betanzos Inlet is 2 miles wide at the entrance between Carboeira 
and San Amade Points; thence it takes a southerly direction 3 miles 
to its head, which is nearly choked with sand, and into which fall 
Betanzos and Lambre Rivers. The depth gradually decreases from 
about 7 fathoms at the entrance of the inlet to 1 fathom 2 miles 


540 


BETANZOS. 


within; thence inward it is all dry at low-water springs, excepting 
the channels into the rivers. 

Eastern side. —About 1,400 yards within Carboeira Point, are 
Carbon Islets, surrounded by shoals, and 800 yards farther in is 
Punta de Laje. Punta de los Curbeiros de Mino lies £ mile south¬ 
ward of Laje Point, and between these points is the shallow bay of 
Banobre. 

Western side. —From San Amade Point, the western shore of 
the inlet, steep and of moderate height, runs south-southwestward 
1.5 miles to Fontan Point, on which is a castle in ruins. Carca- 
beiro Islet lies close to the point, the channel between being used by 
small craft. The islet is surrounded with rocks and 100 yards 
southeastward of it is Do Porto Pock, with 5 feet water over it. 
Pulgueiro Stone, a rock dry at low water springs, lies 200 yards 
southward of Do Porto and about 350 yards from the shore. 

Fontan village stands in an elbow of the shore, on the southern 
side of Fontan Point. About 1 mile southward of Fontan Castle is 
another castle in ruins, on Curbeiroa Point, and on the beach of .the 
bay between is Sada village, with a population of 1,125. Coasters 
only can approach the village, as the bay is shallow. 

Anchorage. —Eastward and northeastward of Fontan Castle there 
is shelter from southwesterly winds in 3 to 6 fathoms, sand. Small 
vessels obtain shelter from westerly and even northwesterly winds in 
the bay southward of Fontan Point. 

Betanzos. —About 3.5 miles up Betanzos .Piver is the town of 
Betanzos, with 5,382 inhabitants, situated on the declivity of a hill, 
the base of which is washed on the east by Mandeo and on the west by 
Mende Piver. Boats reach the landing place at high-water springs, 
but at low water the sands dry. 

The coast from San Amade Point trends northwestward 2 miles to 
Torrella Point, forming a bay between them. All this coast is steep, 
with rocks along it, excepting the beaches of San Pedro and Cirno. 

Fishing nets.— The nets of the sardine fishery are placed in 12 
fathoms about \ mile northeastward of the islet close to Lurbe Point. 

Serron de la Torrella Beef , with 2f fathoms water over it, rocky 
bottom, lies 800 yards 6° of Torrella Point, and must be given a good 
berth with heavy northwesterly seas, which break on it, and also 
between the reef and Torrella Point. 

Dejo Point, nearly 1 mile westward of Torrella Point, is steep 
and of moderate height, with rocks off it. 

Marobina or Corbal Islet lies about 200 yards from the point, with 
a passage inside for small craft. 

Marola Islet, about 800 yards west-northwestward of Dejo Point, 
is about 50 feet in height, dark and conical, with a small islet a short 


CORUNA. 


541 


distance off its western side. There is a channel with 6 to 7 fathoms 
water, rocky bottom, for small vessels, between them and the land. 

Seijo Blanco Point, about 1 mile west-southwestward of Dejo 
Point, is high, steep, and bold. It is noticeable from a vein of white 
stone, sinuous, and extending upward, which at a distance appears 
as a road. The name of the point means white stone. 

Coruna Bay, the entrance to which is between Seijo Blanco Point 
and Herminio Point, the northern extremity of Coruna Peninsula, is 
from 1.5 to 2 miles wide and 3 miles deep, but being open to north¬ 
erly and northwesterly winds it affords shelter only on its western 
shore, at the port of Coruna. 

The depths decrease gradually from 20 fathoms at the entrance, 
to 5 fathoms near the head of the bay, where the shores are fringed 
with rocks, and into which Rio del Burgo flows. 

Landmarks. —The most prominent objects in the vicinity of 
Coruna Bay are Hercules Tower and the buildings on the heights 
southwestward and southward of it. 

The eastern shore is foul, as well as the southern part. Several 
islets and rocks lie along the shore. The most noticeable are Cana- 
bal, between Seijo Blanco and Mera Points, and Santa Cruz, on 
which there is a fort, situated in the southeastern part of the bay. 

Mera Point, about 1 mile southward of and higher than Seijo 
Blanco Point, is dark, and has a battery on it, which is not visible 
from seaward. Three-fourths of a mile south-southeastward is the 
point of Canido Hummock, and between them is a tolerably spacious 
bay, with Portelo Beach as its head, in which shelter may be had 
from easterly winds in 7 to 8 fathoms, sand, but only temporarily 
and in fine weather, as westerly winds send in a heavy swell. Bufa- 
doiro Point may be known by a white building on it, and at the head 
of the bay is Portelo Islet. 

From Canido Point to Fiaitera Point, at the entrance to Burgo 
River, a distance of nearly 2 miles, the coast is rocky, with some 
beaches. Sunken rocks extend 700 yards northwestward from Cobo 
Point, westward of Santa Cruz Castle. Santa Christina Islet lies 
close westward of Fiaiiera Point. 

The western shore of the bay from Herminio Point trends south¬ 
eastward J mile to Praderas Point, and is rocky and foul. Praderas 
Point projects eastward, and is low, with a battery on it; hence the 
coast trends southward for about 1 mile to Hospital Point, the south¬ 
eastern extremity of the Peninsula of Coruna, and is bordered by a 
reef. South-southwestward J mile from Praderas Point is Dormi- 
deras Bay, on the north entrance point of which is a fort of the 
same name. One-fourth of a mile southward is the cemetery near the 

shore. 


542 


CORUNA. 


San Anton Castle, on an islet of the same name, lies 200 j r ards 
southward of Hospital Point, and is the northern entrance point of 
the port of Coruna. The passage between the islet and the point is 
obstructed by rocks above and below water and is only available 
for boats. 

San Diego Point and Castle lie 1,200 yards south-southwestward 
of San Anton Castle, and between is the port of Coruna; 1,200 yards 
farther south-southeastward are Ozas Point and Castle, where is the 
quarantine station with a small pier. Hence the coast trends south- 
southwestward, forming the western side of the entrance to the 
Burgo River. 

Dangers.—Jacentes Bank, at the entrance of Coruna Bay. is 
rocky and a mile in extent northeast and southwest, and 1,300 yards 
across, with depths over it varying from 4f to 18 fathoms. The 
least water, 4f fathoms, is 1.1 miles 30° from Herminio Point. From 
it foul ground extends mile to the southeastward. The Basuril, a 
tolerably extensive patch w 7 ith 8 to 9 fathoms over it and a 5-fathom 
spot on its northeastern side 1.1 miles 50° from Hercules Tow r er, 
lies at the southern end of the bank. When there is much sea all 
the bank is covered with breakers. In heavy gales the breakers ex¬ 
tend as far as Seijo Blanco Point. 

Eastern side of bay.—Verde Bank, mile 180° from Mera 
Point, has 5| fathoms over it at low water springs. 

Guisando Shoal, situated 1.2 miles south-southwestward from 
Mera Point and 1,200 yards offshore, has 2f fathoms over it at low 
water springs. The ground eastward of the shoal is foul. 

Clearing marks.— Cape Priorino Chico Lighthouse, well open 
westward of Canabel Island, leads westward of Guisando Shoal, and 
Cape Priorino Grande and Mera Point in line lead eastward. 

Western side.—Cabanes Bank, 1,600 yards north-northeastw ard 
from San Anton Castle, is about 600 yards in length by 300 in 
breadth, with fathoms least water over it, rocky bottom near its 
northern end, and may be crossed when the sea is smooth. There 
are 10 to 12 fathoms between it and Pedrido Reef and 13 and 15 
fathoms between it and the shore at Dormideras. 

Pena de las Animas, always dry, lies 400 yards east-northeast¬ 
ward of Hospital Point. 

Pedrido Reef lies about 100 yards 16° from Pena de las Animas, 
and has a channel 200 yards wide, obstructed with rocks, between it 
and the shore. Pedrido Reef dries at low water springs. 

Bouron Rock. —About 200 yards farther eastward, or 400 yards 
north-northeastward from Pena de las Animas, is Bouron Rock, with 
2j fathoms water over it, being the continuation of the reef project¬ 
ing from the Pena, and on which the sea breaks heavily. A wreck 
lies on the south side of Bouron Rock. 


\ 


CORUNA. 543 

Light buoy. A black light and bell buoy, showing a fixed green 
light, is moored 165 yards eastward of Bouron Bock. 

Gancho, a small patch with 3 feet over it, in the entrance of the 
port, lies 55 yards south-southeast from San Anton Castle. 

Cobertinas, a patch with 8 feet on it at low water, lies about 450 
yards northward of San Diego Point and less than 200 yards from 
the East Mole. 

Laja de San Diego, a small rock with 2-| feet of water on it, lies 
midway between Cobertinas and San Diego Point. 

Lights. —About 600 yards southwestward of Herminio Point, the 
northern extremity of the peninsula of Coruna, from the ancient 
tower of Hercules, square, dark, and 159 feet high, a fixed and flash¬ 
ing white light is exhibited 341 feet above high water. The fixed 
light is visible 19 miles and the flash 22 miles. (See Light List.) 

Osas Point. —A light is to be established on Osas Point. (See 
Light List.) 

San Anton Castle. —From a green iron hexagonal tower, 20 feet 
high, on the eastern part of San Anton Castle, an occulting white 
light, visible 7 miles, is exhibited, 65 feet above high water. (See 
Light List.) 

East Mole. —From a small wooden house, painted in black and 
white bands, situated at the northern end of the East Mole, a fixed 
red light, visible 4 miles, is exhibited, at an elevation of 31 feet above 
high water. (See Light List.) 

Basin. —A light is exhibited on each side of the entrance to the 
new basin. 

Signals. —The under mentioned storm signals and entrance sig¬ 
nals are shown from a flagstaff at the port: 


STORM SIGNALS. 


SIGNALS. 

Signification. 

Day. 

Night. 

Two cones, points up. 

Two cones, points down. 

One cone, point down. 

One cone, point up. 

A red light over a white light. 

A white light over a red ligh L ,. 

Two white lights, vertical. 

Two red lights, vertical. 

Gale from NE. 

Gale from SE. 

Gale from SW. 

Gale from NW 


ENTRANCE SIGNALS. 


Pennant with white horizontal 

A red light over two white lights, vertical.. 

Prohibition for sailing and 

stripe. 

One black ball. 

Two red lights over a white light, vertical.. 

pulling boats. 

Port closed to fishing ves- 

Two hlanlr bolls 

Three red lights, vertical. 

sels. 

Port entirely closed to 
traffic. 




i 




























544 


CORUNA. 


Anchorage.—Between the islet of San Anton and Point San 
Diego, about mile apart in a 17° and opposite direction, is a bay 
extending northwestward shaped like a horseshoe, in which are the 
anchorage and port of Coruna. 

Large vessels anchor between the castles of San Anton and San 
Diego in from 5^ to 6J fathoms at low water. Smaller vessels an¬ 
chor inside this line, whence the depth gradually decreases toward 
the entrance of the port. Before anchoring, the nature of the bot¬ 
tom should be ascertained, for in many places there is much seaweed, 
on which the anchors come home in bad weather. There is some¬ 
times a ground swell at the anchorage, which causes vessels to roll 
heavily. 

Coruna Port is formed by a breakwater named the Last Mole, 
which projects about 875 yards in a 13° direction, from a position J 
mile westward of San Diego Castle. A sea wall has been built 
around the shores of the port from the inner part of the East Mole 
to Parotte, divided into nine wharves. 

The entrance to the port is between the end of the East Mole and 
Parotte Mole on the north side, and is about 600 yards wide, but be¬ 
tween the East Mole and the end of the iron pier the distance is only 
500 yards. The outer end of the East Mole is partially submerged. 

The depth in the southern part of the entrance is 4£ fathoms, 
which is the general depth in the southern part of the port, except 
alongside the wharves. The northern part of the port is shoal. 

The wharves are provided with 3 steam cranes of 4 tons, 2 of 3 
tons; 3 electric cranes of 2 tons, and 7 hand cranes, one of the latter 
capable of lifting 20 tons, and are connected with the railroad sys¬ 
tem. The depths alongside are from 16 to 26 feet at low-water 
springs. There are 9,767 feet of quays. 

Harbor works. —A basin, from 245 to 310 yards in length by 135 
yards in width, is being constructed in the northern part of the port. 
It partly dries at low water, but is to have a depth of 10 feet at that 
time of tide; the entrance, which will be 35 yards in width, will also 
have a depth of 10 feet. 

Port regulations.—Masters of vessels should make themselves 
acquainted with the port regulations, as any infringement may render 
them liable to be fined. No vessel is allowed to shift her anchorage 
without permission or without the superintendence of a pilot. 

The United States is represented by a consular agent. 

Buoys. —On the south side of Coruna Port and in the fairway 
three large wooden buoys are sometimes moored, having iron sup¬ 
ports for lanterns; they are moved at night to rocks and broken 
ground, as guides to the fishermen in hauling their nets. 

Pilots.—1 he service is well organized, and there are always pilots 
on the watch, who go out to vessels approaching the port flying the 


CORUNA. 


545 


pilot signal. Pilotage is compulsory for merchant vessels of more 
than 50 tons. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, in the port of Coruna at 
2 h. 40 m.; springs rise 12J feet; springs range 11J feet. 

Directions.—The entrance to Coruna Bay presents no difficulties 
to a steamer or to a sailing vessel with a fair wind, when the sea is 
smooth, as with vessels of moderate draft Jacentes and Cabanes 
Banks may be crossed, but when there is any swell they should be 
avoided. 

In entering the bay under the above conditions in a vessel of mod¬ 
erate draft, run toward the land between Seijo Blanco and Mera 
Points until San Diego Castle opens of San Anton Castle; then 
steer toward Osas Point, keeping San Diego Castle well open of San 
Anton Castle to clear Pedrido Beef, which give a berth of 1 mile: 
round San Anton Castle at the distance of 200 yards and anchor 
between the two castles as convenient. 

In entering the bay in a heavy gale between north and west or 
in a vessel of heavy draft pass between Jacentes Bank and Her- 
minio Point at a distance of between 400 and GOO yards from that 
point, taking care to keep the foot of Hercules Tower in sight. When 
past Herminio Point, continue southeastward toward Mera Point 
until San Diego Castle opens of San Anton Castle, when proceed as 
before. This channel is the only one practicable in a heavy sea. 

To pass between Jacentes Bank and Seijo Blanco Point, which is 
not so good a channel as the other, approach northward of the bank 
until' Cape Priorino Grande is seen between the two Gabeiras Islets, 
bearing 9°. Then steer with this latter mark on astern until Seijo 
Blanco Point bears 96°, distant J mile, when proceed about 203° 
and as before. The channel eastward of the Jacentes Bank is some¬ 
times closed completely in heavy northwesterly gales by breakers 
extending across it, and should not then be attempted. 

Working in.—In working into or out of the bay, when within 
Mera Point do not stand farther eastward than to have that point 
in line with Monte Ventoso. In making the western board keep San 
Diego Castle well open of San Anton Castle to avoid Pedrido Beef. 

Sailing vessels leaving the port should do so, if possible, with the 
land wind early in the morning, so as to be clear of the bay before 
the breeze comes from seaward. 

The town of Coruna is built on the peninsula. Its modern part 
occupies the isthmus between the port and Orzan Bay, its suburbs 
extending as far as the southern part of the port. The old part of 
the town is on the southeastern point of the peninsula. Coruna is the 
capital of the province of the same name, and, including the suburbs, 


546 


CORUNA. 


had a popoulation of 45,650 in 1910. The town is lighted by elec¬ 
tricity. 

The principal employment is the hake, bream, and sardine fishery, 
and the manufactures comprise linen goods, hats, cordage, and 
canvas. 

Trade—Shipping.—The chief exports are cattle, tinned pro¬ 
visions, onions, lace, ham, bacon, etc., and the chief imports are coal, 
machinery, hides, salt fish, maize, cocoa, coffee, and petroleum. 

In 1913, 1,644 steam vesels, of 2,486,877 tons, and 546 sailing ves¬ 
sels, of 16,791 tons, entered the port of Coruna. 

Communication.—There is communication by steamer to Vigo 
and Lisbon every alternate Monday, to Vigo and the southern ports 
of Spain every Monday and Thursday, to Santander and Bilbao 
every Wednesday and Saturday by cargo vessels, but these departures 
are uncertain. 

The steamers of the Anglo-Argentine, Nelson, and Houston Lines, 
the Hamburg-America, Hamburg-Sud Americana, and North Ger¬ 
man Lloyd Lines for the Plata River call monthly, and the Dutch 
Royal Mail Line fortnightly at Coruna. 

The steamers of the Pacific Steam Navigation Co., from Liverpool 
to the Plata River and Valparaiso, call at Coruna every fortnight 
and from Valparaiso and the Plata River to Liverpool once a month. 

The Royal Mail S. P. Co.’s steamers for South America call irregu¬ 
larly and the Lamport & Holt steamers monthly. 

The French Cie. Generate Transatlantique steamers for Cuba and 
Mexico call fortnightly and for Porto Rico and New York monthly. 

The Hamburg-America, North German Lloyd, Arotegui Co., and 
Spanish Transatlantic vessels for Cuba call monthly, the latter line 
having a monthly steamer to Manila. 

In summer some of the above lines partially discontinue the service. 

Coruna is in communication by rail and telegraph. The telegraph 
office is always open. 

Automobile cars run every other day between Coruna and Corcu- 
bion, a distance of 65 miles, and daily between Coruna and Santiago, 
a distance of 49 miles. 

There is considerable emigration traffic to the Plata River and 
Cuba. 

Quarantine.—There are no special customhouse or quarantine 
regulations. The lazaretto is on Osas Point, about 0.6 mile southward 
of San Diego Point. A small pier affords sheltered landing. The 
buildings are surrounded by a wall. 

Climate.—Coruna is considered healthy, and there are no diseases 
for which special precautions are necessary. About one-third of the 
deaths are due to- pulmonary complaints. The mean temperature 


CORUNA. 547 

at Coruna is, for the year, 55°.7; for January, 47°.8; and for August, 
66°.1. 

Hospitals.—There are 2 hospitals—the military and civil. 

Coal.—About 4,300 tons of coal are usually kept in store and 
vessels are coaled at the anchorage in the bay by means of barges. 

There is also some liquid fuel stored in reservoirs outside the town. 

In the port there are three coal wharves, 625, 500, and 979 feet in 
length. Vessels generally discharge coal alongside the Linares Rivas 
Quay. There are 50 lighters in the port, averaging 30 tons each. 

Tugs—Salvage.—There are 4 tugs and 4 salvage vessels at 
Coruna. 

Supplies.—Provisions are abundant. Waterworks have been 
completed and very good water may be obtained from steam tank 
boats at 75 cents per ton. 

Repairs.—Only small repairs to machinery can be executed at 
Coruna; a broken crank shaft has been successfully repaired. Large 
repairs and those requiring a dry dock would necessitate the vessel 
proceeding to Ferrol. 

There is a small patent slip. (See Appendix II.) Another patent 
slip is in course of construction, but the work progresses slowly. 

Life saving.—A lifeboat and rocket apparatus are maintained at 
Coruna. 

The coast from Herminio Point trends southwestward nearly \ 
mile to Orzan Point and Is rocky and foul for over 200 yards off it. 
On the western side of Herminio Point is a bay 300 yards deep. 

Orzan Point is low and rocky; rocks above and below water extend 
west-northwestward more than 4 mile from the point. About 300 
yards within the northwestern extremity of the peninsula is Her¬ 
cules Tower. 

Buey do Largo, a shoal with 5^ fathoms over it, lies 900 yards 
334° from Hercules Tower. 

Orzan Bay, on the west side of Coruna Peninsula, is nearly 1 mile 
deep, i mile wide, and open to the north-northwestward. It is foul 
and shallow and terminates in the beach of the Isthmus of Coruna. 
On the eastern side of the entrance to the bay is El Buey Grande 
Islet, near the shore. Rocks extend west-northwestward 400 yards 
from the islet. 

About 1.3 miles westward of Orzan Point is Pena Boa Point, 
moderately high and rocky, descending in declivities from Pena Boa 
Mount, generally known as San Pedro. The mount is 732 feet high 
and an excellent mark. On its summit are the ruins of a watch 
house, scarcely noticeable from seaward. About 1,500 yards 298° 
from Pena Boa Point is Merlon or Bosteo Rock, with 2 fathoms on 
it, which breaks when there is any swell. 


548 


ATALAYERO BANK. 


Close off the western side of Pena Boa Point are San Pedro Islets, 
three small islets lying parallel to the coast. 

Rompedoiro Rock, about j mile westward of Pena Boa Point, is 
awash at low water. 

Langosteira Point, about 2.7 miles westward of Pena Boa Mount, 
is the northern extremity of a high and rocky promontory named 
Suebos. It is steep, and on each side of it is a beach. On its highest 
part are the ruins of Suebos watch house. The village of the same 
name is inland. A reef extends J mile oil' the western side of the 
promontory. 

Pero Dente Bank is a small rocky patch of 11 fathoms, with 28 
fathoms around it, lying 2 miles northward from Langosteira Point, 
and breaks with a heavy sea. 

Pego Rock, a patch with 2f fathoms water over it and deep water 
around, lies nearly 2 miles 256° from Langosteira Point, and breaks 
with the least sea. 

Clearing mark.—The tower of Hercules, open of Pena Boa 
Point, leads northward of the rock. 

The coast from Langosteira Point trends southwestward 4.5 miles 
to East Cayon Point. It is formed of sanely beaches separated by 
rocky points. Monte Carboeira rises 1,207 feet 5.5 miles 185° from 
Langosteira Point. 

About | mile westward from East Cayon Point is the small harbor 
of Cayon, completely open to the northeast, and used only by fish¬ 
ing vessels. It is formed at the foot of Pi as Hill, which is fiat on 
the summit. The village at the head of the harbor contains 450 in¬ 
habitants. Cayon Point, northward of the harbor, is about 1 mile 
westward of East Cayon Point. Both are surrounded by sunken 
rocks. 

Monte Agudo, 984 feet in height, lies 2 miles 163° of Cayon Point, 
and on its summit is the chapel of Nuestra Senora de la Estrella. 

Curbina Rock is awash at low water, and lies 1 mile 275° from 
Cayon Point and about 800 yards offshore. 

The coast from Cayon Point trends 3 miles west-southwestward 
to Ensenada Point. It is steep and its western part is foul, and 
reefs extend 400 yards offshore between Points Leyra and Ensenada. 
About 3 miles farther westward is Razo Point, the extensive Arenal 
de Baldayo lying between. This beach is clear with the exception 
of a reef extending a short distance from its middle part, some of 
the rocks of which are awash at low water. 

Off-lying shoals.—Atalayero Bank, also called Mar de Cayon, 
is rocky, with 11 fathoms least water on it. Its western end, near 
which is the least water, is situated 3.7 miles 334° from Cayon Point, 
end it extends over a mile east-northeastward and west-southwest- 


RAZO POINT. 549 

ward. The bank has depths of 28 fathoms around it and breaks with 
a heavy sea. 

Cueva de Pomba, a pointed rock of very small extent, with 6J 
fathoms water on it, lies about 2.2 miles 244° from the western end 
of Atalayero Bank, and northwestward about 4.5 miles from Cayon 
Point. It breaks when there is any swell. Both these patches are 
surrounded by depths of 28 fathoms. 

Baldayo Bank is a reef 1.7 miles in length, north-northwestward 
and south-southeastward, of little width, with numerous heads, one 
of which dries and others are awash at low water. Its southern end 
is situated nearly 2 miles 323° from Ensenada Point. Between the 
beads there are channels with from 11 feet to 13 fathoms of water in 
them, which are used by fishing boats in fine weather. The reef 
breaks in places when there is a little sea. The channel southward 
of the reef has a depth of 14 fathoms. 

Petones Bank, 1.7 miles 22° from Razo Point, is rocky with 9 
fathoms water over it. The sea breaks on the bank when there is 
any swell. 

Razo Point is rocky, and projects east-northeastward. A reef, of 
which a great part shows at low water, extends 400 yards off it. 
About 1.7 miles south-southwestward of the point is Monte Nemio, 
1,270 feet in height and the highest land near the coast in this vicin¬ 
ity. Its base is of considerable extent; it slopes gently, is of dark 
color, and is conspicuous from being isolated in the midst of com¬ 
paratively low land. 

From Razo Point, at the western end of Baldayo Beach, the coast 
trends west-northwestward 5.5 miles to the point under Monte San 
Adrian, and is clear of danger, with the exception of some rocks 
close to it, and a rocky ledge extending 0.3 mile from San Bartolome 
Point. About 4 miles from Razo Point is the Atalaya de Malpica, 
a headland projecting northeastward about 400 yards, and having on 
its southern side a cove named Port Malpica, suitable only for 
fishing craft, but the entrance is closed by breakers in strong north¬ 
erly winds, and on its northern side a sandy beach visible from sea¬ 
ward. Malpica Village lies on the isthmus of the Atalaya, and extends 
to the beach on its northern side. It has 1,200 inhabitants, mostly 
employed in fishing. In on-shore gales breakers are stated to extend 
600 yards off the coast between the Atalaya and Cabo San Adrian. 

Monte San Adrian, 695 feet above the sea, rises from a tongue of 
land, named Cabo San Adrian, which projects more than a mile 
northward, showing a steep and foul front about 800 yards in length, 
the eastern extremity of which is known as Punta Arenas and the 
western as Balieiro Point. On the northeastern slope of the mount 
is a chapel, visible from a great distance on account of its whiteness. 


550 


ATALAYERO. 


Sisargas Islets form part of a large ledge of rock, extending 2 
miles northward of Cabo San Adrian. At low water there is but 
one islet; at high water this becomes three, each of which has its 
name. The islets are uncultivated, but covered in great part with 
ferns. 

Sisargas Grande, the western islet, is 900 yards in length east and 
west and 600 yards wide. Its top is uneven, but higher in the 
northern than in the southern part, and its sides are steep. Its 
greatest height is 328 feet. 

Sisargas Islets Light.—This light is now shown, at an elevation 
of 361 feet, from an octagonal granite tower, 16 feet high, surmount¬ 
ing a low white building with a flat roof, 20 feet high. (See Light 
List.) 

Fog signal.—On Picota Point, the northwestern extremity of the 
largest islet, a fog siren is sounded. 

Atalayero, or La Malante, the northern of the two islets eastward 
of Sisarga Grande, is about 500 yards long, north and south, and 300 
yards Avide. It is of similar appearance to Sisarga Grande, steep on 
all sides, and its northern part is the highest. 

Sisarga Chica, southward of and connected to Atalayero by a 
reef, is circular and about 300 yards in diameter. This islet is 1,100 
yards northward of Cabo San Adrian. 

Reefs.—About 0.3 mile southwestward from the southwest end 
of Sisarga Grande, is a depth of 3 fathoms on a rocky reef called 
Carreira, on which the sea breaks even with a moderate swell, and 
about J mile 298° from the northwest point of the same islet, with 
shoal water between, lies Campana Shoal, which is nearly awash at 
low water. About 1.2 miles 354° from the lighthouse is Cuervo, a 
rocky shoal, with 54 fathoms water over it, which breaks in gales, the 
breakers continuing to the islets. 

Mayores Bank, with 9 fathoms water over it, lies about 1,200 yards 
northeastward from the northeast point of Sisarga Grande and 4 
mile southeastward from the bank is Malante Shoal, with 2J to 44 
fathoms on it. A reef of rocks extends eastward from Atalayero 
and there are reefs off the southern islet toward the mainland. The 
narrowest part of the passage between the islands and Cabo San 
Adrian is between the southern extremity of this latter reef and the 
large rocks under the cape, where the channel is not more than 300 
yards across. There are 3 rocks in the western part of the channel, 
one of which, visible at low water, lies about 600 yards northward of 
Balieiro Point. 

Life saving.—A rocket apparatus is kept at the lighthouse. 

Sisargas Channel, between the islets and Cabo San Adrian, has 
a depth of 9 to 14 fathoms, and appears practicable, at first sight, to 
vessels of all sizes. Notwithstanding, it ought not to be taken by a 


SISARGAS CHANNEL. 


551 


large sailing vessel without the greatest necessity, nor by steamers 
except in fine weather and smooth water. 

In this passage the tidal streams are strong, the flood setting east¬ 
ward, the ebb westward, and with any swell there is broken water 
all over it. Local knowledge is required for its navigation. 

The coast from Balieiro Point trends southward for 1.5 miles, then 
westward for 2.7 miles to Nariga Point, and is much broken and 
indented with bays. About 2.2 miles south-southwestward of 
Balieiro Point is a small bend of the coast on the western side of 
Redondo Point, called Port Barizo, frequented by fishing boats and 
coasters. A reef of rocks projects from the eastern side of the 
entrance, but the western shore is clean. 

Nariga Point, 3.5 miles from Balieiro Point, is of moderate height, 
and steep, with reefs extending nearly f mile westward of it, the ex¬ 
tremity of which is named Laja de Bon. The shore westward from 
Barizo Bay is fringed with sunken rocks, which extend off 800 yards. 

From Nariga Point the coast runs southward 2 miles and then 
westward about 3.5 miles to Roncudo Point, forming a bay open 
to the northwestward, in which are the Estorrentada Rocks, off 
a point of that name in the center of the bay, which separates two 
small coves; the northern, called Ninos Cove, might be used for 
shelter in case of necessity only, but its entrance Is bordered by 
rocks. The bay is foul, reefs extending nearly a mile from the 
shore in the southern and eastern parts. Roncuda Point is low 
and is the termination of a lofty mountain, which has a number of 
small peaks on it, which at a distance resemble buildings. On one 
of these peaks are the remains of the old watch house Garita de 
Corme. A reef extends over 800 yards westward from the point, 
the outer part of which always shows, and there are other rocks in 
its vicinity. 

Caution.—The whole of the coast from Barizo to Roncudo Poin; 
is fringed with rocks, some of which extend nearly a mile from the 
land. 

Corme and Lage Bays.—Roncudo Point forms the northern ex¬ 
tremity and Lage Point, distant 2.5 miles, the southern extremity of a 
bay, which extends 3 miles eastward and is open to northwesterly 
gales, when it is generally covered with broken water; but with 
the exception of the reefs off the entrance points and Le Averia, a 
rocky patch of 4J fathoms lying about 1 mile 185° from Roncudo 
Point and which breaks when there is sufficient swell, and the Lage 
de San Pedro, the bay is clear. 

There are two summer anchorages in it—one, Corme Bay, in its 
northeasterli corner, and the other, Lage Bay, in its southwestern 
corner. In winter neither should be entered unless in case of neces¬ 
sity, when Corme Bay is preferable. 

21235°—17 - 36 



552 


CORME AND LAGE BAYS. 


Corme Bay. —There is anchorage in Corme Bay in 5J fathoms 
water, sand, good holding ground, or farther out in 10 or 11 fathoms, 
southward of the church of Corme. 

At the east end of Corme Bay is Estrella Islet, difficult to dis¬ 
tinguish from the land, with the ruins of a hermitage on it; thence a 
high and steep coast runs southward, fronted by a shoal bank, to 
Canteros Point. Between Canteros Point and Padron Point, 0.6 
mile to the southward, is Canduas Bay, into which falls Allones 
River, the lower part of which is known as Canduas River. From 
Canteros Point a low beach extends to the head of Canduas Bay 
and along the north side of the river entrance, where rises Monte 

Blanco, which is conical and of whitish color from the sands which 

* -> 

partly cover it. The estuary of the river is 800 yards wide at the 
entrance, widening to 1,200 yards and then becoming narrower. It 
is obstructed by large banks of sand. The bar, situated between 
Monte Blanco and Padron Point, is dry at low water, but within 
depths of 11 feet are found. An islet lies on the northern side of 
the entrance. 

About 1,400 yards westward of Padron Point is Mundino Point, 
the coast being broken and foul; and 0.6 mile farther west is Cabalo 
Point, with San Pedro Bay lying between. In the middle of this 
bay there is a depth of about 9 fathoms, but seaward of its mouth 
and lying 800 yards 52° from Cabalo Point is a sunken rock, named 
Lage de San Pedro, which always breaks. 

One mile southward of the bay is Pico del Castelo de Borroneiros 
(Castle Peak), a mountain, which has a height of 1,060 feet. 

Lage Bay, comprised between Cabalo Point and Chans Point, 
about a mile westward, is a mile deep, and has a clean beach at its 
head, through which a stream flows into the sea. Anchor in the 
middle of the bay in 7 fathoms water, with Cabalo Point in line with 
Monte Blanco, but small vessels take up a berth nearer Lage Village 
in 3 or 4 fathoms. A reef extends 400 yards off the village. There 
is abundance of fresh water both in Corme and Lage Bays. Lage 
Point, 600 yards west-northwestward of Chans Point, is high, and 
surrounded by reefs, which extend 500 yards off it. 

Catasol Point, 1.5 miles south-southwestward of Lage Point, is 
high and of a color inclining to yellow, with rocky and shoal ground 
extending fully 800 yards from it; on its northeastern side is a low 
sandy coast, Playa de Soesto, and on its southwestern side is another 
beach, 1.5 miles in length, called Arena! de Traba. Tain Islet lies a 
little west-southwestward of the point, with rocks extending 400 
yards off it. 

Puerto Camelle, 4 miles southwestward of Lage Point, is a creek 
with shoals at its entrance, and is used only by fishing boats. 


CAPE VILLANO. 


553 


From Camelle Port the coast trends westward 3 miles to Cabo Veo. 
It is steep, with sandy beaches separated by foul and rocky points. 
Reefs extend more than ^ mile off this part of the coast. Of the 
beaches, the Arenal de Lazo, near Camelle Port, and Santa Marina 
sand, are the most conspicuous from their extent. 

Cabo Veo is noticeable from the hill within it, named La Vela del 
Tosto, which is 820 feet high and has numerous white sand spots on 
it. These spots show clearly on the dark ground of the rest of the 
hill, and extend upward two-thirds of its height. From Cabo Veo 
some islets and sunken rocks extend 4 mile northwestward. 

Westward of Cabo Veo the coast forms a little bay, in which is a 
sand beach named Arenal de Trece, limited westward by Reventada 
Point. 

Cabo Trece, or Tosto, 1.2 miles west-southwestward of Cabo Veo, 
is low and foul, and extending 1,400 yards west-northwest of the 
cape are some rocks awash at low water, named Baleas de Tosta. A 
little way back from the point the land is high and rugged, and 
united with that descending toward Cabo Veo and Camelle Port. 
Between Cabo Trece and Cape Villano, 2.2 miles south-southwest- 
ward, is Villano Bay, in which are two sand beaches, separated by 
the dark, rocky Point Forcados, off which a reef, partly uncovered at 
low water, extends 4 mile west-northwestward. 

Caution. —Nearly the whole of the coast, from Lage Point to 
Cape Villano, is fringed with rocks, some of which extend nearly f 
mile off it. 

Cape Villano projects north-northwestward, and is about 250 feet 
in height, steep, and rocky. A peak of a red color, which at a dis¬ 
tance resembles a conical inclined tower, rises to a height of 410 feet 
a short distance from the extremity of the cape. 

Light. —On Cape Villano, near its extremity from an octagonal 
yellow-gray tower, with a white lantern, 82 feet high, with the 
keeper’s house near it, a flashing white electric light, visible 25 miles, 
is exhibited at an elevation of 342 feet above high water. (See Light 
List.) 

Villano de Fuera Islet lies close northward of Cape Villano. It 
is rocky and of less height than the cape. The passage between them 
is used by boats in fine weather. 

El Bufardo Rock lies about 800 yards west-northwestward from 
the islet. It is a pinnacle of small extent, on which the sea breaks, 
and is awash at low water, but all around it the water is deep. 

Veo Shoal.— A shoal with 11 fathoms over it lies 4.75 miles 28° 

from Cape Villano. 

Casa Santa or Cuerno Point, i mile southward of Cape Villano, 
is low, with the little Cuerno Islets and rocks extending 500 yards 


554 


CAMARINAS BAY. 


from it, most of which are above water and steep-to. The coast be¬ 
tween Casa Santa Point and Monte Farelo, about 1.2 miles to the 
southward, is high, broken, with rocks at its foot, the most off-lying 
being Betanzeira, 600 yards south-southwestward of Casa Santa 
Point and 300 yards offshore, which uncovers at low water, and 
Farelo Rock, sunken, northwestward of Monte Farelo and 400 yards 
from the shore. The coast should not be approached closely. 

Dangers in approaclyto Camarinas Bay.—Quebrantas Shoal, 
off the entrance of Camarinas Bay, is a dangerous rocky shoal about 
J mile long northwest and southeast, with depths of to 6 fathoms 
over it, except at the northern end, which at low-water springs shows 
a head of rock about the size of a buoy. From this end of the shoal, 
which is called Quebranta Grande, the hermitage on Monte Farelo 
bears 110°, distant 1.2 miles. 

The southern end of the shoal is named Quebranta Chica, and from 
it the above hermitage bears 101°, distant 1,900 yards. It has 1J 
fathoms water over it and the sea breaks during a swell. In bad 
weather breakers extend over all the shoal. 

Shoal.—About 1.2 miles 268° from Quebranta Grande lies a rocky 
shoal with 5^ fathoms over it, on which the sea breaks during a heavy 
swell from the westward. A shoal with 5 fathoms over it lies about 
600 yards 232° from Quebranta Grande. 

Leichon de Juanbou, a shoal of 4f fathoms water, lies 1.4 miles 
291° from Barca Point. 

Camarinas Bay, the entrance to which is between Farelo and 
Barca Points, a distance of 1 mile, is 2 miles deep and completely 
open to the northwestward. It is somewhat obstructed by rocks and 
shoals and frequented only by coasters. 

Northern side.—Monte Farelo, a round hill on the summit of 
which is the white hermitage of Virgen del Monte, it situated 1.7 
miles south of Cape Yilano and 400 yards northward of the northern 
entrance point of Camarinas Bay. 

About J mile southeastward of Monte Farelo is Punta Villueira, 
on which is an old fort, and 800 yards farther eastward is New Fort 
Poir*t. A shallow reef extends 500 yards southward of this point. 

A short distance northward of New Fort is the town of Camarinas, 
on the shore of a small sandy bay, with 2 small piers used by coasters 
at high water, but it nearly dries when the tide is out. Northward 
of the small bay a shallow inlet runs north-northeastward for nearly 
a mile. One-half mile southeastward of the entrance of the inlet is 
the Rio del Puerto, a small river, with a bar at its mouth. 

Dangers—Northern side.—A patch of 2J fathoms lies 800 yards 
234° and another of 2f fathoms lies 700 yards 194° from Farelo 
Point. 


CAMARTNAS BAY. 


555 


Southern side.—Barca Point, the southern entrance point of 
Camarinas Bay, is the northern extremity of an elevated peninsula 
800 yards in length, with a rugged summit, called Cerro de Mugia. 
On its northwestern slope is a white chapel and on the southern side 
is the village of Mugia, extending along the narrow isthmus which 
connects the peninsula with the mainland. The village is situated 
around a clean, sandy bay. 

Punta Chorente, lying nearly a mile southeastward of Barca Point, 
is high and precipitous. The bay between is over 800 yards deep and 
is shoal, with some sunken rocks in its southern part. Within Cho¬ 
rente Point is a broal, conical hill of little height, named Corpino de 
Chorente. 

Mere jo Point, high and steep, with a fort on it, lies 0.7 mile east¬ 
ward of Chorente Point, and between them is Merejo Bay, 0.8 mile 
deep, with a rivulet running into it over the sandy beach at its head. 

The western side of Merejo Bay is foul, a reef of rocks projecting 
nearly 400 yards from the shore southward of Corpino de Chorente. 
The village of Merejo is eastward of a small creek on the eastern 
side of the bay. 

From Merejo Point the coast trends eastward and is steep as far as 
Sartana Point, which is rocky and foul. One-half mile farther to 
the east-northeast is Lago Point, and between is a bay 600 yards deep 
with a beach at its head, called Playa de Lago, through which a small 
stream flows. 

A small sandy beach named Playa de Barreira lies between Lago 
Point and Trincado Point, 600 yards northward; thence the coast 
is steep for nearly a mile to Roda Point, the southern entrance point 
of the Rio del Puerto. 

Dangers—Northern side.—Shoal water extends about \ mile 
southwestward and southward from Farelo Point, depths of 2J, 2§, 
and 1J fathoms being found south-southwest, south, and south-south¬ 
east, respectively, from the point. Between Punta Villueira and 
New Fort Point a shallow reef extends offshore. It projects 500 
yards southward of New Fort, 

Southern side—Peneiron Rock.—Barca Point is surrounded by 
a reef which extends 400 yards northwestward, having a sunken 
rock at the end named Peneiron, the weed on which is seen at low 
water. 

Clearing marks.—Cape Torinana, open westward of Buitra 
Point, leads northwestward, and Chorente Point, well open north¬ 
ward of Barca Point, leads northeastward of Peneiron Rock. 

A reef extends upward of 200 yards eastward from the eastern side 
of Cerro de Mugia. 


556 


CAMARINAS BAY. 


Higuera Rock, the weeds on which show at low-water springs, 
lies i mile north-northeastward of Chorente Point. 

About 1,100 yards from Chorente Point, toward New Fort, is a 
patch of fathoms, as charted, with depths of 5-J to 8 fathoms 
around. 

Anchorages.—There is anchorage off Camarinas in 4J fathoms, 
sand, with New Fort Point bearing 258°, distant about 800 yards. 
The most dangerous wind is from the southward. If the cable parts 
in a southerly gale, run ashore in the inlet at the head of the bay. 

Merejo Bay, on its southern shore, has excellent clean holding 
ground, in 4 to 6 fathoms water, sheltered from all except north¬ 
west winds, which send in a heavy and dangerous sea. It is there¬ 
fore seldom used, and on any sign of the wind coming from this 
quarter a vessel should move to the anchorage off Camarinas, on the 
northern shore. 

Directions.—Entering Camarinas Bay from the northward, keep 
Cape Villano aboard, avoiding Bufardo Rock, the breakers on which 
may be seen; and keep I mile off the rocks off Cuerno Point. Bring 
the white hermitage on Monte Farelo to bear 135° and steer for it 
on that bearing until Cape Villano Lighthouse and Casa Santa 
Point are in line bearing 20°, when alter course to 169° and pass J 
mile from Farelo Point, avoiding the shoals off this point. When 
the mouth of the Rio del Puerto begins to open southward of 
Villueira Point, steer 107° toward Lago Point until Farelo and 
Villueira Points are in line, when haul to the northward and anchor 
off Camarinas, avoiding the reef off New Fort. 

To pass southward of the Quebrantas, Villueira Point bearing 90° 
leads 200 yards southward of Leichon de Juanbou Shoal, and Cliro- 
rente Point open a little northward of Barca Point bearing 130°, 
until the former bearing is on, leads between Liechon de Juanbou 
and Quebranta Chica. 

When in the center of the entrance, steer 107° toward Lago Point, 
as above directed. 

Salvage.—The Sociedad de Salvamentos of Coruna have a station 
at Camarinas. 

Supplies.—Provisions and water may be had at the town of 
Camarinas. 

Tides.—It is high water, full and change, at Barca Point, Cama¬ 
rinas Bay, at 2 h. 33 m.; springs rise 13 feet, neaps 11 feet. The rise 
is greater with westerly and less with easterly winds. The velocity 
of the tidal stream reaches 2.3 knots at springs and 1J knots at neaps. 

The coast.—The isthmus southward of Cerro de Mugia is low, 
with a flat beach. About 1.7 miles southwestward of Barca Point is 


CAPE TORINANA. 557 

Buitra Point, high and steep, and between the coast forms a bight 
open to the northward. 

Between Buitra Point and Cape Torinana is Cuno Bay, surrounded 
by high land. In its eastern part is a beach, on the southern side 
of which is Cuno Village. 

Cape Torinana or Tourinan, 3 miles from Buitra Point, is a 
little peninsula projecting northwestward, 259 feet high and rugged. 
It is joined to the main by an isthmus of low land, and at a distance 
it is not easily recognized, being blended with the high land behind 
it, but seen from the southwestward it appears like an island. Close 
off its western side and joined to it by a reef covered at high water 
is a small rocky islet with two small peaks. The point thus formed 
is named Insua. Rocks which cover and uncover lie 200 yards distant 
from it, northward, westward, and south-southwestward, and in the 
last direction, GOO yards distant, is a depth of fathoms. 

Buceirado Restinga or Reef runs | mile north-northeastward from 
the cape. It has numerous heads, the outer and two others being 
awash at low water. The reef breaks with any sea. 

Light.—On Cape Torinana, at the extremity, from an octagonal 
tower, 29 feet high, surmounting a w T hite square building, a fixed 
white light, visible 13 miles, is exhibited at an elevation of 190 feet 
above high water. This lighthouse must not be mistaken for Cape 
Villano Lighthouse. (See Light List.) 

Farelo Rock lies about 0.G mile 279° from the lighthouse on the 
western side of Cape Torinana. It is of small extent, and is awash 
at low water springs. The sea almost constantly breaks on the rock, 
which has deep water around it. 

Laxe Northeast, with 5 fathoms over it and depths of 11 fath¬ 
oms around, lies 850 yards northeastward of Farelo Rock and 1,250 
yards 309° from the lighthouse on the cape, and breaks with a north¬ 
westerly swell. 

Caution.—Mariners should keep well off this coast, off which .it 
is probable that there are other dangers than those marked on the 
charts. 


i 






APPENDIX I 


A list of the principal ports included in the volume, giving depths 
at low water in channels of approach and at anchorage, rise of tide, 
and draft of water: 


Port. 


Brest. 


Port Louis. 
Lorient.... 
St. Nazaire. 


Sables d’Olonne. 

La Pallice, Rade de. 
La Pallice, Port de. 


Rochefort. 
Pauillac... 


Bordeaux. 

Bayonne. 

Port Pasajes. 

Bilbao, outer port 

Bilbao. 

Santona. 

Santander. 

Gijon. 


Ferrol. 


Coruna. 


Depth at low water springs. 


Rise of tide 
above L. W. O.S. 


In channels of approach. 


Chenal du Four, 4} fathoms; 
Iroise, deep water; Raz de 
Sein, 11 to 20 fathoms; Gou¬ 
let, 7 to 26 fathoms. 

2f fathoms. 

.do. 

.do. 


Western entrance, 20 feet 
Eastern entrance, 6 fathoms.. 
Northern approach, 82 feet... 
Southern approach, 9 fathoms 
Northern approach, 82 feet... 
Southern approach, 3 fathoms 

2 feet. 

21 fathoms. 


If fathoms. 

112 feet. 

32 fathoms. 

14 to 7 fathoms. 

12 feet. 

If fathoms. 

3} fathoms. 

9 feet. 


5f to 12 fathoms. 
20 to 7 fathoms.. 


At anchorage. 

Springs. 

Neaps. 


Feet. 

Feel. 

7 to 10 fathoms, with patches of 

19J 

142 

42 to 52 fathoms. 


7 to 10 fathoms. 

14 

102 

3 to 5 fathoms. 

14 

102 

6 to 9 fathoms; 3f to 4f fathoms 

16 

12 

in outer port. 



3f to 7 fathoms. 

12| 

92 

4 to 7 fathoms. 






16 to 23 feet in outer port. 

16* 

122 

2f to 4J fathoms. 

162 

182 

13 

16 to 18 feet; 23 to 29 feet in Rade 

112 

de Trompeloup; 24 to 322 feet 
alongside wharf. 


12 to 32 fathoms. 

152 

12 

16 to 33 feet. 

82 

6 

32 to 42 fathoms. 

11 

9 

5 to 8 fathoms. 

13 


10 feet. 

9 


6 to 8 fathoms. 

122 

10* 

22 to 6 fathoms. 

12| 

9* 

Port partly dry; 12 fathoms in 

14 

11 

bay. 



6 to 8 fathoms in Malabata Bay; 

13f 

92 

7 to 9 fathoms off basin. 

52 to 62 fathoms; 16 to 26 feet in 

13 

11 

port. 




559 
































































APPENDIX II. 

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Particulars of wet docks, basins, and locks. 


562 


APPENDIX II. 



i Average. 






























































































Particulars of wet docks, basins, and locks —Continued. 


WET DOCKS. 


563 



1 Available for mooring. 























































































































✓ 










INDEX 


A. 

Aberildut, L’_ 

Aberildut, L’, directions 

-Light_ 

-telegraph cable. 

-tidal streams_ 

-tides_ 

Abono _ 

Abri, Rade d*_ 

-regulations 

Acebo Point_ 


Page. 
. 71 


72 


72 

72 

485 

105 

106 
447 


Acebros Point_502 

Adon Bank_280 

- Mole (St. Gilles sur Vie)_280 

Adour River_372 

-approach_379 

-bar_373 

-beacons_376 

-breakwaters-373 

-dangers_376 

-depths_373 

-directions_379 

-landmarks_372 

-life-saving_374 

-lights_ 373, 376 

-outer anchorage_372 

-pilots_374 

—*-range lights-373 

-signals of approach_374 

-exit_375 

-tide gauge_378 

-to St. Jean de Luz-382 

-upper navigation—'— 382 

-wharves_377 

-wreck_372 

Aguamia River_472 

Agudas de Cadavedo, Islets-498 

Agudo de Sabin-490 

Agudo, Monte- 406, 548 

Aguila Point-455 

Aguillon Point-488 

Aguillones Islets-521 

Aguin Rocks_492 


Page. 

Aliorcado Headland.._440 

Aigle, Basse de 1’_’_272 

-buoy-272 

Aiguille, Pointe de V _ 282,313 

-dangers_282 

-landmarks __ 282 

-semaphore __ 282 

Aiguillon, Anse de 1’_294 

- Point Light_247 

Aitzandi Point_410 

Aitzuri Point_410 

Aix, Rade de l’lle d’_314 

-prohibited an¬ 
chorage_314 

-tidal streams. 314 

A jo, Cape_446 

- Inlet_446 

- village_446 

Alameda Alta_455 

Alba red a Pier___451 

Algorta Sands_424 

- town_425 

Almeiro, Punta_516 

Alle Point_407 

All ones River_552 

Almenada Islet_470 

Alto de Lequeitio_417 

-Plencia_423 

-Ruballo_447 

- del Dichoso_457 

- Limo watch house_521 

Alturas de Arno_412 

Alzacoarria Point-— 407 

Amandarri Point_416 

Ambes, Bee d’-339 

Amboto_413 

Amboto Mountain___424 

Amour, Le Roclier u’_ 302 

Ampuero_442 

Amuiz Islet_390 

Anarri Point__ 406 

An Auter_185 

Anavalen, Basse- 143 

Ancenis_243 


565 










































































































































































566 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Ancho_369 

-Front Quay (Port Pasajes)- 400 

-Quay (Port Pasajes)_400 

Anduz Monte_411 

Aneno Rocks_175 

-buoy_175 

Angouleme_320 

Angoulin Mill_300 

-Plateau d’_303 

Annoerezet_185 

Ano Channel_441 

-Monte_442 

Anse. (See proper name.) 

-de la Fosse_314 

-Fouras_312 

Ansion Islet_455 

Antioche, Fosse d’_301 

Anuales Reef_495 

Anzaron Island_511 

Anzor a Bay_419 

-Point_419 

■-village_419 

Anzuela Islet_509 

Appendix I_559 

-II_560 

Apical Point_417 

Aqueche Islet_422 

Ar Berniou Pez_ 89 

-Bouc ’h __122 

-Chaor__122 

-C’haz Rock_ 97 

-Christian Bras_ 67 

-Fer_206 

-Gador, village_ 96 

-Gazek_ 134,162,218 

-Guisty_134 

-Men Light_ 96 

-Yar du Rock_ 98 

-Vas du Channel_ 98 

Arando Chico_394 

Aranarri Islet_406 

-Rock_406 

Aranon Point_ 492 

-Rock_492 

Arcachon, Bassin d’_367 

-anchorage_368 

-channel_368 

-directions__369 

-pilots_369 

-shoals and buoys_368 

-tides and tidal 

streams_369 


Page. 


Arcachon, Port d’_370 

-coal_370 

-supplies_370 

-Pointe d\ life saving_368 

-to Cap Breton_370 

-current_370 

-tides_370 

Areas Point_491 

Arcotes Rocks_423 

Ardevenne, Pointe d’_184 

-beacons_184 

Area Bay_512 

Arenal de Baldayo_548 

-la Frouxeira_525 

-Lazo_553 

-Traba_552 

-Trece_553 

-Villarube_524 

-del Puntal_450 

-light buoys_450 

Arenas Islet_512 

-Las_425 

-Punta_549 

Areoso Bay_537 

Areoura Point_508 

Ares Bay_538 

-anchorage_538 

-tides_538 

-Castle_538 

-Inlet_537 

-anchorage_537 

-north side_538 

-south side_539 

-Point_538 

-village_538 

Arguesto Islet_419 

Arguin, Banc d’_368 

Arichachu_421 

Armenza Bay_423 

-village_423 

Armorique, Basse de 1’_105 

Arnao Beach_494 

-Bay-505 

-town_494 

Arno, Monte_412 

Aroca Tiquia_383 

Arrangasia Point_411 

Arredo Shoal_506 

Arricobajo Point_401 

Arriederra Islet_419 

Arrobado Point_475 

Arrubia Rock_401 




















































































































































































INDEX 


567 


Page. 

Ars___296 

Arso, Puerto_394 

Artedo Bay__498 

-anchorage_498 

Artha Breakwater (St. Jean de 

Luz Bay)_305 

-Rock_385 

Artibas River_412 

Artimon, Plateau de V _210 

-tidal streams_210 

Arza Cove_420 

Arzic, Port d’_194 

-dangers_195 

-life saving_194 

-semaphore_195 

Arzon_220 

Asabasa Bay_394 

Astigarraga_401 

Astillero_450 

Astrolabe_92,116 

-Basse de 1’_ 142,239 

Asua River __431 

Atalaya_384 

-Baja signal station-409 

-de Malpica_549 

-Ondarroa_412 

-Vega_500 

-fog bell_384 

-Monte_409 

-Light_ 409 

-Point_ 420, 458, 509 

-Light_509 

-semaphore_384 

A ta lay as Point_475 

Atalayero Bank_548 

- Islet_550 

Atelier_ 268 

Auberlac’h, Anse de, anchorage— 120 

-compass adjustment— 118 

Audierne Bay_129 

-landmarks_130 

- Road_130 

-beacons_130 

-buoys_130 

-depths—^-130 

-directions_131 

Auger Bank buoy-334 

Aunis, Roche du-292 

Auray_220 

- Port d’_220 

-communication_220 


Page. 


Auray, Port d’, repairs_220 

-supplies_220 

- Riviere d’_220 

-depths_220 

Averia, Le_551 

Averenta Point_537 

Aviles Bay_494 

-River_492 

-above San Juan_494 

-anchorage_492 

-bar_492 

-dangers, northern side. 492 

-southern side_492 

-directions_493 

-life-saving_493 

-Light_492 

-pilots_493 

-signal station_493 

-tides_493 

- town_494 

-trade_.■*._494 

Axpe, Monte_431 

Azavaratza Bay_394 


B. 

Bacalan Shoal_ 

Badaxeira Rock_:_ 

Badec, Basse_ 

Baguen Hir_ 

-- Tower_ 

Baguenaud_ 

Baie. (See proper name.) 

-Basse de la_ 

Baja Islet, La- 

Bajo Bolezno_ 

- del Gato_ 

-light buoy 

Balanec, He de_ 

Baldavo Bank_~- 

Baleas de Tosta__- 

Baleine, La_ 

' Baleines Light_ 

- Pointe des_ 

Balieiro Point_ 

Iiallota Islet_ 


_359 

___ 524 
___ 191 
213, 219 
___ 219 
_238 

_226 

___ 510 

_500 

___ 530 

_530 

_ 63 

_549 

___ 553 
283 

_294 

_295 

___ 549 
468 


- Point_ 459,468 

Banc. (See proper name.) 

-de Gatseau_331 

-buoys_331 

- des Mattes_331 

--buoys_331 

Bancha, La-402 


21235°—17-37 



































































































































































































568 


INDEX 


Page. 

Banche, La_239 

-— buoy__239 

- wreck____240 

- Lighthouse, La_243 

-fog signal__243 

-life-saving__243 

Banco. (See proper name.) 

Bandeja Point_519 

Bandera Mount_431 

Bannec, He de_ 62 

Bano Bay_532 

Banugues Bay_488 

- River_488 

Baquio Bay_422 

Bara Point_456 

Barat Bank_334 

Barat Sands buoy_333 

Barca Point_555 

Barcenal_463 

Baril, Le_ 139 

-Rond_173 

Bardlets, Les_100 

---dangers__100 

Barizo, Port_551 

Barometer_:_ 26 

Barquero Inlet___- 515 

-anchorage_517 

-signal station_516 

-storm signal_516 

-Port_517 

-pilots_518 

-supplies-_ 517 

-village_517 

-water_517 

Barqueta Bay_478 

Barra Point_ 406, 492 

-Light_492 

-Punta de la_466 


Barre a 1’Anglais_345 

---buoys_345 

-clearing marks_345 

-Banc de la_239 

-Basse de la_226 

-de Monts, La_272 

-rebef station— 273 


Barrica Point_423 

Barriere, La_ 236 

Barrio de las Arenas_431 

Barroco Point_500 

Barzic_158 

Basel met Rock_ 97 

Basigo_422 


Basques, Rade de_ 

-Roche des_ 

Basse. (See proper name. ) 

Bastarria Point_ 

Bastresses Rocks_ 

-buoys_ 

Basuril, The_ 

Basvelenn__ 

Batalla Rock_ 

Batallera_ r _--- 

-Monte_ 

Batel Rock_ 

Bats, Port de--- 

Battures de Cordouan_ 

-buoy_ 

I’aule, La_ 

Baurdo_ 

Baurdo Cove_ 

Bauzec, Le_ 

-Tower_ 

Bavard Rock_ 

-Tower_ 

Bayes Beach_ 

Bayonelles Rock_ 

-Tower_ 

Bayonne_ 

-climate_ 

-coal_ 

-dock_ 

-hospital_ 

-port office_ 

-Port de_ 

-Quarantine_ 

-repairs_ 

—- Sailors’ Home_ 

--shipping_ 

-supplies_ 

-trade_ 

-water_ 

Be, Pointe du_ 

Beaugency_ 

Beaulieu, Basse de_ 

-buoy_ 

Beauvoir_ 

Bedon River_ 

Beg ar Chaor_ 

-el Lan_ 

-er Squeli_ 

-Vachif_ 

-Vil_ 

Beg Griez_ 

-Lagatte___ 


Page. 

__306 

__303 

__416 

__173 

__173 

542 

__ 89 

__477 

— 379 
388, 404 

— 531 

— 236 
340. 347 

_347 

_236 

_415 

_416 

_223 

___ 223 

_241 

___ 241 
___ 495 

_229 

_229 

_381 

_381 

_381 

_381 

_381 

_376 

_376 

_381 

_381 

_381 

_381 

_382 

_381 


236 

243 

229 

229 

263 

471 

122 

186 

196 

201 

186 

202 

206 




























































































































































INDEX 


Page. 


Beg Meil- 155 

-Chaussee de_155 

--Tower_155 

-semaphore_155 

-Melen_ 166 

-semaphore_166 

-Morg-162 

-Pel_202 

-Tost_202 

Beguelan Rock_ 100 

Belhara Perdun_383 

Belle He_189 

-landmarks_189 

-pilots_196 

-soundings_196 

-tidal streams_196 

Belvidigens, Les_151 

-clearing mark_152 

Benedicta Mole_430 

9 

Beniguet, lie de_ 67 

-caution_ 68 

-Passage du_ 202 

-depths_202 

-directions_202 

Beninou, Baie de_ 58 

-mooring buoys_ 59 

Benodet_149 

-life saving_149 

-new channel of_140 

-old channel of_139 

-Range Lights_143 

Benodet, A use de_138 

-anchorage_143 

-landmarks_138 

-:-;— tidal streams_143 

-approach_143 

-directions-_143 

-eastern channel to_141 

Beranger, Le_265 

Bergantin, Banco del_450 

-buoys_451 

Berguiz_473 

Bermea Islet_491 

Berrneo Bank_525 

-Port_420 

-anchorage_421 

-lights_421 

-pilots_421 

-tides and tidal streams- 421 

-town_421 

-supplies___421 

Bernerie, La_262 


569 


Page. 

Bernet, Pointe de_369 

Berre, Roche le_139 

Berria, Isthmus_445 

-Sands_445 

Bertheaume, Anse de_ 87 

-anchorage_ 87 

Bertrand, Basse_231 

-Tower_231 

Besaya River_459 

Betanzeira Rock_554 

Betanzos_540 

-Inlet_ 537,539 

-anchorage_ 537, 540 

-eastern side_540 

-western side_540 

Beuzec, Basse_ 91 

-buoy_ 91 

-Light_159 

Beychevelle Shoal_358 

Bezou, Basse_226 

Biarritz, life saving_ r _384 

-light-384 

-port_384 

-tides_384 

Bidart, life saving_385 

Bidassoa River, La_391 

Bilbao_433 

-coal_434 

-communication_433 

-Hospital_434 

-Bar_427 

-depth_427 

-Bay-_-425 

-approach_424 

-dangers_425 

-landmarks_424 

-telegraph cable_^ 426 

-western shore_425 

-winds_425 

-Outer Port-_426 

-anchorage_427 

-breakwaters_426 

--directions_432 

-life saving_427 

-lights_427 

-new works_427 

-pilots_427 

-regulations_427 

-pilots_428 

-quarantine_434 

-shipping_433 

-supplies_434 




























































































































































































































570 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Bilbao trade_433 

-water_434 

Bile, Basse du_229 

-1’ lie du_225 

Bilien, Basse_139 

Biosnar Bay_394 

Biron, Roche_282 

Birvideaux, Plateau des_188 

-beacon_189 

-buoys_189 

-clearing marks_189 

-wrecks_189 

Biscarosse beacon_367 

- life-saving_370 

Biscay, Bay of_ 22 

-*-caution_ 49 

-fogs_ 26 

-winds and weather- 24 

Black Rocks (Higuer Road)_390 

Blanca, Punta_„_499 

-Light_499 

Blancas Rocks_523 

Blanche, Banc de la_265 

-buoy_265 

Blanco, Cabo_503 

- Llain de Abajo_495 

- Monte_552 

Blancpignon Point Light_:_376 

Blancs Sablons, Anse des_ 74 

Bias, Blanc_146 

Blavet_262 

- River_182 

Bloc, Port_1_354 

Blois_ 243 

Bluiniero beacon_150 

- Chenal des_153 

- proper_150 

- Rocks_150 

Bocal Point_480 

Bceufs Chaussee des_214, 263 

-clearing marks_241 

-light and bell buoy_ 241 

-Est, Les_264 


-Les_ 

-Ouest, Les_ 

Bois de la Chase_ 

-du Poulmic_ 

Boisvinet_ 

- Towers_ 

Boite, Le_ 

Bonen du Four_ 

-buoy 


218, 241 
___ 264 
263, 268 
119 
272 
272 


209 

209 


Page. 

Bonen Bras_201 

-Tower_201 

Boniach Rock_420 

Bonne Anse_ 338 

—-anchorage_249 

Bonneau Rock_281 

-clearing marks_281 

Bossemen Occidental_ 70 

- Oriental_ 

Bosteo Rock_547 

Bordagain Tower_382 

Bordeaux_ 339, 360 

- coal_ 362 

- communication_361 

- patent slips_361 

-Port_359 

-Basin_360 

-cranes_360 

-docks_360 

-locks_360 

-pilots_360 

- repairs_361 

- salvage vessel_362 

- shipping_361 

- supplies_362 

- tides_ 362 

- trade_ 361 

Borenis Rock_224 

Borizo Island_470 

Borneira, Monte_524 

Bouc, Basse du_122 

- Le_122 

Boucard, Petit_313 

Boucaut, Port of Le_ 376* 

-tides and tidal 

streams_378 

-wharves_377 

Boudigau River___ 371 

Boufouloc, Le_ 68 

Bonin Church, Le_263 

Boulanger, Basse_139 

Bouret River_ 371 

Bourg des Moutiers_262 

Bourgeois Bank_- 333 

Bourgneuf_262 

-Baie de_262 

-anchorage_268 

-aspect_262 

-beacons_265 

-creeks_268 

-dangers, eastern 

side_264 


northern side- 263 









































































































































































































INDEX 


571 


Page. 

Bourgneuf, Baie de, dangers, south¬ 


ern part_265 

-directions_270 

-landmarks_262 

-rocky ledges_265 

-southern entrance_ 272 

-tides and tidal 

streams_269 

—— Banc de_266 

Bouron Rock_542 

-light buoy_543 

Bouscat_._361 

-radio station_361 

Boussole, La_ 92 

Bout de la Longe_303 

Boy Point___505 

Boyard, Fort_300 

-le_303 

-buoys_303 

Braillard, Le_272 

-buoy_272 

Bravo Islet_490 

Brazomar Bay_437 

Breche Quay, La_377 

Brela Point_512 

Brenterc’h Point_ 74 

Brest_116 

-approaches to___ 102 

-climate_117 

-coal_117 

-communication_117 

-direction by Iroise to_110 

-docks_118 

-dockyard_118 

-fairways reserved_109 

-from the southwestward_ 111 

-Harbor_109 

-anchorage_109 

-mooring buoys_109 

—-Hospital_117 

-pilots_109 

-port regulations_118 

-Rade de_103 

-southeastern part_118 

-repairs_118 

-Road, measured distance-120 

-shipping_117 

-southern approach_ 88.100 

-t— directions_ 112 

-time signals-117 

-trade_117 

-submarine flotilla-109 


Page. 

Brest, supplies_117 

-tidal streams_108 

-tides_108 

Breton, Banc_ 292 

-Cap_371 

-beacons_ 367 

-semaphore_367 

Breton, Port_275 

-anchorage_276 

-buoys_276 

-dangers, eastern side_275 

-western side_275 

-directions_276 

-fog signal_276 

-life saving_276 

-pilots_276 

-range lights_276 

-tidal signals_276 

Breton, Port de Cap_371 

-life saving_371 

-light_371 

-tides_371 

Bretons, Basse des_166 

Brezellec, Pointe de_124 

Brierou Nord, Banc_157 

-Sud, Banc_157 

Brigneau, Port de_162 

Brilimec, Chenal de_153 

Briquets Rocks_390 

Broc’h, Le_151 

-Beacon_151 

-clearing mark_151 

Brou, Le_283 

Brou age_329 

-beacons_329 

-channel_329 

Brusco, Fort_445 

-Monte_445 

-Point_445 

Bry Bank_ 333 

Buceirado Reef_ 557 

-Restinga_557 

Buey do Largo_^_547 

-Point_459 

Bufadoiro Point_541 

Bufato, Punta_516 

Bugull, Pointe du_194 

Buissons, Basse des_217 

-buoy_217 

Buissons de Meaban_218 

-beacon_218 

Buitra Point-557 
















































































































































































































572 


INDEX 


Page. 

Buoyage, French uniform system 


of___ 31 

-Spanish uniform system of_ 32 

Buoys_ 5 

- gas_ _ 5 

- whistle and bell_ 5 

Burela Point_508 

- Puerto___508 

Burgoa_422 

Burgon, Monte_463 

Bursa Cove_396 

-Point_396 

Busto, Cabo_499 

-Light—_499 

Bustio village_467 

-trade_467 

Butte, Pointe du_274 

-semaphore_274 

Buzay_260 

Buzick, Basse_166 

—-— - clearing mark_166 

C. 

Cabalino Rock_ 531 

Caballo Juan_ 521 

- Point_ 441, 449, 468, 512 

-Light_442 

Cabalo Point_552 

- Rock_ 526,531 

Cabalos Rock_528 

Cabanes Bank_542 

Cabarga, Monte_447 

Cabellou Point_156 

Cabezo Bank_ 502 

-de San Pedro del Mar_455 

Cabezos de Osas_528 

Cabo. (See proper name.) 

- Tosto_553 

- Trece_553 

- Yeo_553 

Cabra River_1_468 

Cabras, Monte_431 

Cabrero Point_462 

Cabrito Point_486 

Cadagua River_431 

Caliouette Creek_272 

Caillou, Le- 239, 272 

Cairos Point_508 

Cal Point_458 

Calderon Point_ 460 

Calebasse, La_209 

Callarriyaya Islet_418 


Page. 


Callou, Le_264 

-Tower_264 

Calparra Point_396 

Calvary, The_191 

Camaxima Point_500 

Camarinas Bay_554 

-anchorage_556 

-dangers in approach_554 

-northern side_554 

-southern side_555 

-directions_556 

-northern side_554 

-salvage_556 

-supplies_556 

-tides_ 556 

- town_554 

Cambo Banco_383 

Cambo Summit_382 

Camelle, Puerto_552 

Cameret, Anse de_ 90 

-anchorage_ 90 

-buoys_ 91 

-tides_ 91 

Camero, Punta_515 

Camoco Point_ 538 

Campana Shoal_550 

Campaya Point_408 

Campel River_501 

Campelo, Monte_526 

Campillo Battery_425 

Canabal_:_541 

Canal. (See proper name.) 

Canales Islets_468 

Candas Bay_486 

-dangers_ 486 

Candas, village_486 

Candelaria Point_522 

Candina, Monte_440 

Canduas Bay_552 

-River_552 

Canero River_499 

Canido Hummock_541 

Canteros Point_552 

Cantin, Basse_275 

Canto Bank_ 459 

Caosa Bay_509 

Cap. (See proper name.) 

Cape. (See proper name.) 

Capelada, Monte de la_522 

Capuchinoe Channel_ 397 

Capucins Point_ 90 

Cariette, village_ 359 




















































































































































INDEX 


573 


Page. 

Carabela Bank_505 

Caranza Bay_532 

-Point-532 

Carballo Rock_500 

Carboeira, Monte___548 

-Point-539 

Carbon Islets_540 

Carcabeiro Islet_540 

Car dal Point_412 

Cardinal Mole (La Rochelle)_309 

-Pointe du_190 

Cardinaux, Basse des_200 

-clearing marks_200 

Caridad, village_502 

Carino Battery_529 

--Bay_ 520, 528 

--Anchorage_529 

-village_520 

Cariou, Basse_197 

*-buoy_197 

Carnero Point_ 520 

Carnet, He de_259 

-Meadows_259 

Carrandi, Monte_475 

Carrastrada Point_400 

Carreira Reef_550 

Carrero Channel_483 

Carreros Bank_475 

-Point_475 

Carrocedo River_409 

Carruyas Rocks_506 

-buoy_506 

Casa Santa_553 

Casilda Islet_456 

Casquets Rocks_376 

-Towers_376 

Castanar Shoal_486 

Castelli, Pointe du_228 

-semaphore_228 

Castelos de Laguete-515 

-del Grallal, Los-513 

Castillo Point_461 

Castle Bras_150 

Castouillet, Basse_226 

-buoy_226 

Castrelius Point-505 

Castro Bank, El-446 

- El_440 

-- Islet_488 

- Punta-516 

- Urdiales_ 424, 438 

-Bay_437 


Page. 

Castro Urdiales Bay_438 

-directions_438 

-life-saving_439 

-breakwater_ 438 

-Port_438 

-pilots_438 

-supplies_439 

-tides_439 

-trade_1 439 

-Verde Bank_439 

Castrogrande, Punta_516 

Castron de Santiuste Islet_^_468 

Castropol Point_505 

-village_ 505 

Catic, Basse___187 

-clearing mark_187 

-Tower___187 

Cavada Peak_447 

Cayenne Beacon_334 

Cayon Harbor_548 

—— Point_ 548 

Ceballos Point_425 

Cedeira, Port_:__ •___ 523 

-anchorage_525 

-dangers, western side_524 

-directions_525 

-eastern shore_523 

-tides and tidal streams- 525 

-western shore___524 

- village_:___523 

Cela Point_527 

Celorio Bay_470 

- village_470 

Celstigos, Cabo_519 

Cenis, lie_202 

Centre, Chenal du_ 267. 269 

Ceps_260 

Cerda Castle_449 

- Light-—‘_ 451 

Cerdigo Islet_ 439 

Cerredo, Monte_439 

- Peak__439 

Cerro Corona_ 479 

-de Mugia_555 

-Santa Catalina_ 479. 480 

Cervigon, Punta del_479 

Chacineiras Islets_508 

Chalus_320 

Chambres, Les- l- 190 

Chambrette Point, La_354 

-light buoy_354 

Champs Neufs, Les-260 













































































































































































574 


INDEX 


Page. 

Chanchardon, Pointe de, Beacon __ 302 


-dangers_301 

Chans Point_552 

Chantarreca Cove_415 

Chanteiro Bay_530 

-Hermitage_ 530 

Chaon Bay_491 

Chapus, Le_329 

-Port Neuf_329 

-Vieux Port_329 

Chardinon Gren_151 

Charente Range Lights_304 

Charente River_320 

-anchorage_323 

-Beacons_323 

-depths_321 

-directions_323 

-pilots_321 

-tidal streams_322 

-tides_322 

Chariot, Basses du_206 

-buoy_206 

Charite, La __243 

Charles Martel Rock_ 91 

-buoy_ 91 

C’harn, Basse ar_129 

Charniers, Pointe des_263 

Charras bar_321 

-Creek_322 

-Shoals, beacon_322 

Charts, accuracy of_ 3 

-correction of_ 1 

-distortion of__ 4 

-Mercator_ 5 


- use of_ 

Chassiron Light_ 

-Point_ 

Chat Rock, Le_ 

Chateau. (See proper name) 

-d’Abadie Castle_ 

-Del mas_ 

-Le, lights_ 

-tides_ 


3 

304 

302 

97 

138 

382 

300 


328 


328 


-Port du_327 

Chateaulin_262 

-Riviere de_120 

Chatellier, Le_242 

-light buoy_242 

Chato Rock_488 

Chats, Basses des_168 

-clearing marks__ 169 

-tidal streams_169 


Page. 


Chats, Basses des, whistle buoy__ 168 

Chats, Les_168 

-Pointe de, Light__16S 

-dangers_168 

Chaume mill, La_282 

-Quay, La (Sables d’Olonne)- 284 

-Light_284 

Chaussee. (See proper name.) 

-de File aux Chevaux_203 

-la Tiegnouse_197 

-clearing mark_ 197 

-dangers_197 

-tidal streams _ 199 

-du Beniguet_201 

-La_268 

Chauveau, Plateau de_302 

-Point_301 

-Roches du, Beacon_302 

-light buoy_302 

-Rock Light_304 

Chay Tower, Le_342 

Chef de Baie Pointe_295 

Chemoulin, Bancs de_245 

-buoy_245 

-Pointe de_244 

-semaphore_244 

Chenal. (See proper name.) 

-Basse du_ 70,140,158,172,197 

-beacon_158 

-buoy_140, 197 

Cheval, Le_173 

-buoy_173 

Chevarache, Fosse de_292 

Chevaux, Les___242 

-lie aux_203 

C’hevier, Banc du_347 

-buoys_347 

Chevre, La_122 

-Cap de la_122 

-Rock, La_207 

Chevreau Rock, Le_122 

-Beacon_:_122 

Chiens de Mer, Basse des_134 

-buoy_134 

-Perrins Les, Light_274 

Chirlateira Point_524 

Chiviguete Rocks_185 

Chorente, Punta_555 

Chouroubiague_383 

Chouzanin Rock_498 

Chouzano Islet_498 

Ciervana, village_425 




































































































































































































INDEX 


575 


Page. 

Cigogne, He-150 

Cillero anchorage_ 513 

Givray-_ 320 

Clone Plateau, Le_301 

Cluyou, Basse_142 

-clearing mark_142 

Co Bank_ 513 

Coal_ 47 

Coast piloting_ 16 

Cobas Bay_526 

-Beach_526 

Cobe, Pointe du_263 

-Rock, Le_263 

Cobertinas_543 

Cochon, Le_158,190 

--— (Meryen Port)_163 

-Tower_158 

-Rock_174 

-Beacon_174 

Coclions de Beg Morg Rocks, Les_ 162 

-c 1 e a ring 

marks_162 

-Rousbicout, Les_161 

Cod an Calvary_236 

-Mill_236 

Coelleira Islet_515 

-Light_515 

Cognac_320 

Gogollo Point_495 

Cohfournik_206 

Coin Point_478 

Coitelada Point_530 

Colinas_497 

Colindres Channel__442 

-town_442 

Collet Creek, Le_264 

Conbeau Shoal, beacon_323 

Combrit Church_138 

-Point Lighthouse_143 

-Pointe de_147 

Comillas, Port_461 

-anchorage_462 

-channel_461 

-lights_462 

-tides_-— 462 

Comillas, village-461 

Commercial Tower-247 

Communication_ 47 

Compass_ U 

-local magnetic disturbance-_ 17 

-variation of- 17 

Concarneau_160 


Page. 


Concarneau approach_143 

-directions_143 

-coast_160 

-harbors_160 

-life saving_161 

-Port_159 

-anchorage_160 

-channel to_158 

-:-dangers_158 

-depths_158 

-directions_159 

-pilots_159 

-tides_160 

-southern approach to_156 

-supplies_161 

Concavada Islet_468 

Concha de Carneros_471 

-of San Juan_513 

Conche, Banc de la_277 

-clearing marks 277 

-la, anchorage_296 

-Pointe de la___277 

-anchorage_277 

-mooring buoy_ 277 

Concq, lie_134 

Conejera Bay_476 

- Islet_ 456, 515 

Congree, La_289 

Congrera, Punta_516 

Conguel, Pointe de_188 

Conos, Los_491 

Conquet, Le_ 74 

-life station_ 75 

-tides_ 75 

Contis, Courant de_370 

- Lighthouse_370 

- relief station_1 371 

Coq, Pointe du_148 

-Le, Rock_ 91 

-buoy_ 91 

-clearing mark_ 91 

Corbal Islet_540 

Cor beau _105 

-Banc du, clearing mark_105 

-Chenal du_116 

-Le_ 93,142, 278 

-Tower_278 

-Lighthouse, Du_274 

- Pointe du_278 

-Light_278 

-telegraph beacons_ 278 

-wreck_278 































































































































































































576 


INDEX 


4 Page. 

Corbeiro Rock_ 488 

Corbera_448 

- Islet_502 

■- Point_ 501, 507 

Corbero Hills__472 

Corbin, Le_ 93 

Corce Rock, Le_ 57 

Cordouan Plateau_340 

- Rock_341 

-Lighthouse_341 

-life-saving_341 

-Tower_337 

Corme Bay_ 551, 552 

Cormorandiere, La, dangers, north¬ 
ern part_104 

Corn-Vas _161 

-buoy_ 161 

-clearing mark_161 

Cornard Beacon_313 

Corneille Rock, La_ 93 

Cornoc Bras_ j-100 

-dangers_100 

Cornocan ar Braden_97 

Cornuda Point_455 

Corpino de Chorente_555 

Correal Bay_494 

Corsen Point, coast_ 73 

-Beacon_ 73 

-Light_ 73 

-semaphore.___- 73 

-h -telegraph_ 73 

Coruna Bay__— 541 

-dangers___542 

-depths_541 

-directions_545 

—-eastern side_542 

-landmarks_541 

-lights_543 

--signals_543 

-western side_542 

- Inlet_528 

- Port___544 

-buoys_544 

-Harbor works_544 

-pilots_544 

-port regulations_544 

-tides_544 

-town_545 

-climate_546 

---coal._547 

-— communication_546 

-hospital_547 


Page. 


Coruna town, life-saving-547 

-repairs_547 

-shipping_546 

-supplies_547 

-trade_546 

-tug_547 

Corven de la Jumet, Le_157 

-Trevignon, Le_156 

-clearing marks. 156 

Cosne_ 243 

Coteron Rock_170 

Cotiniere, Port de la_330 

-Beacon_330 

-landmark_330 

-Light_330 

Coto de Castro_ 508 

Cotolino Point_437 

Cotrajon, El_447 

Couarde Point_300 

Coubre, Banc de la_345 

-buoy_345 

-clearing mark. 345 

-Pointe de la_338 

-fog signal_341 

-life-saving_338 

-Lights_340 

-semaphore_338 

Coumoudoc Rock, clearing mark.. 101 

Coureaux d’Oleron_301 

Coureaux d’Oleron_ 301, 332 

-tides_ 332 

Courleau, Basse Orientale du___ 80 

Oournaud, Le __282 

Couronnee, La_ 242, 379 

-clearing mark_242 

-light buoy_242 

Covanin Shoal_486 

Covatera anchorage_ 458 

Crac’h, Banc de_217 

Creac’h Meur Point, semaphore_ 86 

-Lighthouse, fog signal_ 56 

-Point_ 55 

-Lighthouse, radio station 56 

---radio fog signal ex¬ 
perimentally established_ 56 

-submarine fog sig¬ 
nal_ 56 

-Lloyd’s signals_ 56 

-Riviere de_216 

-buoyage_217 

-dangers in ap¬ 
proach _217 




































































































































































































INDEX. 


577 


Page. 

Creac’h, Riviere de, depths_216 

-directions_1_ 218 

-lights_217 

-Meur Point, Beacons_ 87 

Criquas Rocks, Les_385 

Croisic, Le_ 226 

-lights_227 

-pilots_227 

-range lights_227 

-tides and tidal streams. 227 

-Pointe du_225 

-Rade de_225 

-anchorage_226 

-dangers_225 

--directions_227 

Croix, Basse le_163 

-de Vie_280 

-life saving_281 

-La, Battery_159 

-La, Light_159 

-Pointe la, Light_163 

-semaphore_168 

-Port de la_208 

-Beacons_208 

-dangers_208 

-life saving_208 

-tidal streams 1 208 

Cruces Mont_'_396 

-Point_395 

-Rocks_499 

Cruz de Paella Point, La_:_538 

-Point_ 504, 505 

-River_420 

Cuadro Point_522 

Cuartas Battery_ 425 

Cudillero, Puerto__ 497 * 

-Light_... 497 

Cudio of the Pilots_447 


Page. 

Curbina Rock_548 

Currents_ 26 

Curs des Vieilles_ 278 

Curuxeiras Mole_532 


D. 

Dain, Le_ 

Damegan Church_ 

Dames, Pointe des_ 

-Light_ 

Danger angle_ 

Darland, Baie_ 

-Basse_ 

Darsena de Axpe__ 

-Maliano_ 

David, Basse_ 

Deffend, Pointe du_ 

Dejo- Point_ 

Del Callo Islet_ 

Delec Fort_ 

Delgados, Los_ 

Demi Banc_ 

-buoy_ 

--clearing mark 

Deshuracado Islet_ 

Desierto, El_ 

-dock_ 

Deux Freres_ 

-anchorage_ 

--Beacon_ 

— -directions_ 

-fog signal__ 

-lights_ 

-tower_ 

Deva_ 

— Inlet_ 

-landmarks_ 

Deva Islet_ 


267 
... 223 
266 
266 

_ 12 

_ 59 

59 

_431 

... 451 
... 226 
... 301 
... 540 
464 
... 105 

_527 

_345 

... 345 

_345 

_471 

_430 

_430 

... 187 
... 188 
... 187 
... 188 
... 188 
... 187 

_187 

... 411 

_410 

_411 

___ 495 


Cuerno de Barayo Point_500 

Cuerno de Candas Point_486 

-Islets_553 

-Point_ 456, 553 

Cuervo Shoal_550 

Cueto de Miono_437 

Cueto, village_455 

Cueva_499 

-Baja, Punta_516 

-de Pomba_549 

Cuevas de Mar_472 

Cuno Bay_557 

-village_557 


Curbeiros de Mino, Punta de los— 540 


-—pilots :_-— 411 

-River_410, 467 

-Bar_411 

-tides_411 

Devel, Basse_ 137 

Devin, Pointe de_241 

--Rocks___263 

Decido, Puerto_437 

Dichoso Point_457 

Dinant, Basse de__121 

Distress signals_45 

Dive, La_291 

Do Porto Rock-540 

Doble Bank_ 445 



























































































































































































578 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Docks_ 47 

Domingo Point_522 

Donan, Port de___195 

Doninos Lake_527 

Dordogne River_363 

Do-rios Bay_526 

Dormideras Bay_541 

Donarnenez_126 

-anchorage_126 

-Baie de_123 

-Bay, beacons_128 

-coast_124 

-directions_127 

-t tidal streams_128 

-tides_128 

-pilots_127 

-supplies_127 

Doubling the angle on the bow_ 12 

Douelon, Port de_164 

-buoy_164 

-life saving_164 

-lights_164 

Douhet, Port_315 

-Canal_315 

-directions_316 

-flushing_315 

-measured mile_316 

-signals_315 

-tidal streams_316 

Doulan_163 

-Beacons_163 

Drague, Roches de la_103 

Drenec, He_150 

Drevantec Bihan_,_. 203 

-Bras_ r _ 203 

Du, Basse_135,139 

-Beacon_135.139 

-Tower_139 

Du Mill_136 

Duellou_125 

Dueso, village_441 

Dumet, lie_ 230 

-buoy_230 

-clearing marks_230 

—-Light_230 

Dunes de la Brisquette_340 

Duraignes, Plateau des_303 


i < ■; 


Ea Bay_418 

j *»- » '■■ Point_417 

-River_418 


Page. 

Ea town_418 

East Bank_^._395 

-clearing marks_395 

-Cay on Point_548 

-Mole (Coruna Port)_544 

-Light_— 543 

Eastern Breakwater (St. Jean de 

Luz Bay)___385 

-Mole (Sables d’ Olonne)_284 

-fog signal_284 

-Light_284 

Echelle; Pointe de 1’_196 

Eckmuhl Lighthouse_133 

Ecrevisse, L’_ 174 

-buoy_174 

Eguiluz Cove_415 

Eigil Point___ 523 

El Buey Grande Islet_547 

-Bufardo Rock_553 

-Pie Islet__510 

Elanchove Port_418 

-anchorage_ 418 

- village_418 

-Light_418 

Eliancin Cove_ 394 

Elorriago Point_410 

Enandes, village_294 

Endaide _415 

-Cove_ 415 

Engaramada Point_502 

English Channel to north coast of 

Spain_ 24 

-west coast of France- 22 

Enizan Rock_*_137 

Ensenada Point_548 

Entornada Point_478 


Eo River_505 

Epois, L’_266 

Er Gadorec a Vez_203 

-Geneteu_202 

- Goualennec_ 205 

- Grelieu_ 203 

- Gurannich_207 

- Hastellic Point_195 

- Noh_208 

-Pal air_205 

-Tower_205 

-Pondeu_198 

-Tower_198 

- Rouzes_203 

-Tower_203 

-Spernec Bras_203 

























































































































































































INDEX. 


579 


Page. 

Er Spernec Bras Tower_203 

-— Bihan_204 

-Toul Bihan Islet_198 

-Bras-198 

-Beacons_198 

-Yoc’h_202 

Erbosa Isle_490 

-Point_527 

Erdre River_260 

Ermicha Point_418 

Ero, Basse an_151 

-buoy_151 

Er rants, Les_173 

-buoy_173 

-statue_173 

Ervily, Pointe de 1*_95,129 

Esba River_’_499 

Escairo Point___508 

Escaleiron Islet_523 

Escalera Point_478 

Escario Rock_508 

Esclassiers, Les_201 

-Tower_201 

Esclaves, Basse des___383 

Esconil, Port de 1’_137 

-anchorage_137 

-directions_137 

-life-saving_137 

-Light_137 

-pilots__138 

-semaphore_137 

Escudo, Monte_463 

Espagnols Point_104 

Espana Bay_478 

Espartal Sands_494 

Espasa Sands_475 

- village_475 

Espasante Bay_520 

-village_520 

Espera Bay, La_487 

Espiga Rock_486 

Espiritu Santo Hermitage_495 

-Point_495 

-Punta del_495 

Esquilletac, Les_385 

Estaca Point-518 

-Light_518 

Estano Rocks_478 

Estaquin Islet-518 

Esteiro Bay_511 

Estepona Rivulet_422 

Estorrentada Rocks-55 L 


Page. 

Estrella Islet_552 

Etang. (See proper name.) 

Etangs de Carcans et d’Hourtin__ 365 

Etel River Light_183 

Etel, Riviere d’_183 

--anchorage_ 184 

-Bar_184 

-directions_184 

-tidal streams_184 

Etel, village_183 

-life saving_184 

Etocs, Les_134 

-beacon_134 

Euine River_539 

Eumenide, Basse de 1’_204 

Eurudi Rock_ 95 

Eve, Pointe de 1’_245 

Eyrac Road_369 

Ezaudi Channel_ 98 


Fain, Le, anchorage_269 

Faix Rock, Le_’_ 84 

-Tower_ 84 

Falaise mill_236 

False Tinas_ 466 

Fantasque, wreck of_295 

Faou, Riviere du_120 

-directions_121 

Fa rail ones_510 

Faro, Monte_512, 529 

-Point_512 

Farelo, Monte_554 

-Rock_ 554, 557 

Fauchon, Grand_313 

Faulx Beacon_334 

Fayebleau Rock_139 

Fazouro Point_508 

Fenoux mast_ 42 

Fer, Le pot de_204 

Ferret, Cape_367 

-life saving_368 

-7-Light_•_ 368 

-semaphore_368 

-Lighthouse, Cape-366 

Ferrol Basin_532 

-channel to_529 

-anchorage_529 

-dangers, northern 

side_530 


southern side _ 531 




















































































































































































580 


INDEX 


Page. 

Ferrol, channel to, depths_529 

-light buoys_529 

--;-northern side_529 

-southern side_530 

-Harbor__ 528, 532 

-anchorage_535 

-directions_533 

-northern shore_532 

-southern shore_532 

-tides and tidal streams. 533 

-winds_533 

— : — Inlet_528 

——town_535 

-climate_536 

-coal___536 

-communication_535 

-docks_536 

-hospital_ 536 

-repairs_536 

-shipping_535 

-supplies_536 

-trade_535 

-water_536 

Feunteunot Cove_129 

-Point_a_129 

Fiaitera Point_541 

Ficoa en Cala_383 

Fier d’Ars_296 

-Roche du_293 

Figar Bank, La__480 

Figueiras Bay_503 

- village__509 

Figueras Bay_505 

- village_—_505 

Fiol, Le_265 

Fillettes, Les_101 

Fishing grounds_ 48 

Fixing position_ 9 

-sextant method_ 9 

---three-arm protractor_ 10 

-transparent xylonite pro¬ 
tractor_ 10 

Flaharn Rock_156 

Fleurs', Roche des_266 

Flotte, La_298 

Fog signals___-_ 6 

Fomento Basin (Port of Gijon)_481 

Fontan Point_ 540 

- village_540 

Fontenelles, Roche des__322 

---buoy_*_322 

Forcada Point -i..;_492 


Page. 

Forcado Islet_503 

- Point_503 

Forcados, Point_553 

- River_524 

Forest, Baie de la_155 

-landmarks 155 

Forges de l’Adour_377 

Fornic Rock_ 67 

-Tower_ 67 

Fort Boyard_303 

-d’Enet_314 

- de Kergan Rocks_165 

Fosse, Anse de la_ 314 

- d’Antioche_301 

- de Cap Breton_371 

-Chevarache_292 

-Loix_296 

- mill, La_272 

—— Pointe de la_ 266, 272 

-- - Relief sta¬ 
tion _273 

Four, Chenal du_ 80 

-dangers_ 78 

-directions_ 81 

-tidal streams_ 80 

-traffic_ 80 

- Le___148,197 

-Lighthouse_19, 209 

-life-saving_209 

-Rock_71,163 

-fog signal_ 71 

-Light_ 71 

-Tower_197 

- Plateau du_208 

Fouras, Anse de_312 

- Bar_321 

- Old Tower_,_303 

- Port Nord de_312 

-Sud de_321 

- time signal_321 

Fourches, Les_135 

- Plateau des___ 77 

Fourmi, Roche de la_ 70 

-buoy_ 70 

Fournier, Banc_209 

Foz, Gulf of_!_ 504 

-current_504 

-fogs-504 

- Inlet_507 

-tide_507 

- village- 507 

Fraile Point_ 441, 519 





















































































































































































































INDEX. 


581 


4 Page. 

France (west coast)_ 22 

-general remarks.. 21 

-soundings_ 22 

-tidal streams_ 27 

Frandiere Mill, La_273 

Freijulfe Sand_501 

French submarines, regulations 

and signals_ 40 

Fret, Anse du, southern side_119 

Frio, Monte_401 

Fromantieres_239 

Fromantine, Goulet de_263 

-anchorage_273 

-aspect_280 

-bell buoy_273 

-coast, southward of. 280 

-dangers, northern 

side_272 

-southern side _ 272 

-depths_272 

-landmarks_280 

-rocks_273 

-Rade du_ 273 

Fromveur, Basse du_ 59 

Front Rock, Le_277 

Frouxeira Lake_525 

-Point_525 

Fuenterrabia, village-392 

Furet, Basse du---212 

Furado, Monte_516 

G. 

Gabeira Islet-512 

Gabeiras Islets- 522, 527 

Gabeiras Point-527 

Gachere, La-282 

Galea Castle- 425 

-Point_424 

-Lighthouse_424 

-for signal_424 

-semaphore-.-424 

Galera Point-406 

Galeres, Les-194 

-buoy-194 

Galindo River-430 

Galizano, Cape-446 

-Peak_446 

-River-446 

-village_446 

Galon d’Or Beacon--331 

Gancho_2-°43 

Ganzanilla-445 


Page. 


Garde, la, wood_ 300, 313 

Gardour Beacon Tower_331 

Garenne Point_280 

Gareau Rock___191 

-Light_191 

Garfauta Point_445 

Garlaby Jetty (Port Garlaby)_228 

-Light_228 

-Port.'_228 

Garo, Basse_165 

Garonne, Canal Lateral a la_362 

-River_362 

-canals_362 

-upper coarse_362 

Garrera Bay_459 

Gavre Channel_180 

-Beacon __ 180 

-mooring buoy_180 

Gavre, Pointe de __170 

-landmarks_170 

-semaphore_170 

Gascogne, le Golfe de_ 22 

Gastelugache Islet_^ 422 

Gasteatape Bay-408 

Gatseau, Banc de-331 

Gatseau Point Beacon_330 

Gautier Pointe_277 

Gaviera Islet_._490 

Gavieros Islets_502 

Gavre Rocks, Le_183 

—*-clearing marks_183 

Gayo, Punta del_487 

Gerbier de Jonc, Mont_243 

Gien_243 

Gijon Bay_479 

-anchorage_480 

-Bar_ 481 

-dangers_.-47S 

Gijon, Port_481 

-buoys_482 

-cranes_482 

-directions_483 

-harbor signals_482 

-pilots and pilot signals. 482 

-range and harbor lights. 482 

-signal station_482 

-tides and tidal streams. 483 

-tugs_483 

-town_483 

-coal- 484 

---communication-484 

-dock_484 



















































































































































































582 


INDEX 


Page. 

Chanchardon Point_300 

Gijon town, hospital_483 

-repairs_483 

-shipping_483 

-supplies_481 

-trade_483 

Gironde River_355 

-approach_337 

-general directions_337 

-landmarks_340 

-entrance_338 

-dangers_340 

-depths_ 339 

-lights_340 

-northern side_338 

-passes_339 

-southern side_338 

-weather_352 

-general directions_355 

-pilots_343 

-range lights_355 

-tides and tidal streams- 348 

Glazic, He_201 

Glenan, lies de_ 149 

Glinec Rock_139 

Glozin Basse_226 

Gluet, Le_151 

Goa_270 

Goa, Passage du_273 

Goaltoc’h Rock_ 77 

Goeland, Le_265 

-Rock_174 

-buoy_174 

Goemant, La_ 92 

-buoy_ 92 

Goemonhour_268 

Golfin Point_527 

Borbea_413 

Gorle-bian Rock_ 59 

Gorliz Sands_ ; _423 

-Point_423 

Goudron Basse_101 

-buoy_101 

Goue Vas_ 197,209 

-buoy_ 197, 209 

-clearing marks_209 

Gouf, The__371 

Goulee, Banc de_356 

Goulet. (See prope’ name.) 

-dangers in the_101 

-de Brest_S7,101,102 

-south channel_111 

-tidal streams_103 


Page. 


Goulphar Lighthouse_195 

-fog signal_195 

Goulphar, Port_195 

-anchorage_195 

-danger_195 

-semaphore_195 

-Tower_195 

Goulvanic Ledge_ 97 

Grana, La_532 

Grand Banc_340 

Grand Banc Lightvessel_341 

-fog signal_341 

-Champ, Le_274 

-Charpentier_ 239 

-Light_243 

Grand Chenal de la Loire_235 

-— dangers 

western side_240 

-east¬ 
ern side_241 

Grand Cochon_165 

--Tower_165 

Grand Coin, Le_201 

-clearing marks_201 

-Tower_ 201 

Grand Crom_125 

-Beacon_125 

-Rock_ 67 

-Beacon_ 67 

-Fauchon_313 

-Flahran_190 

-G oil in Point_ 90 

-Melgorne_ 71 

-Mole (St. Gilles sur Vie)_280 

-Mont, Basse du_214 

-buoy___214 

-clearing marks 214 

-Plateau de_213 

-buoy_213 

-Pointe du_222 

-semaphore_222 

-Norven_229 

-Peligon, Le_218 

-Port_ 228 

-Quay (Port Breton)_275 

- Sece_242 

-- Sillon_229 

-Tower_242 

-Traict, Le_244 

-Trait, Le_227 

-Treho, Le_217 

Grande Accroche, La_231 

-Aroquiague_383 


























































































































































































































INDEX 


583 


Page. 

Grande Barge_282 

-Light_282 

-Basse de Houat_204 

-Bayonne_381 

-Hade anchorage_249 

-Vinotiere, buoy_78 

-Light- 78 

-light buoy_ 78 

-shoal_ 78 

-eastward passage_ 83 

-Rock_ 77 

Grands Cardinaux, Les_206 

-Tower_206 

-Light_207 

-Pourceaux_154 

Grasu Rock_172 

-tower___172 

Grave Passe_ 347 

Grave, Pointe de_339 

-Light_341 

Great Arando Point_394 

Grenet, Basse_226 

Grenoc, Le, Tower_105 

Greve, La_335 

Grigne Beacon, La_366 

Grimaud Pel_203 

-Tost_203 

Grise, Clienal de la_267 

-Beacon_267 

-buoy_267 

Groac’h-du_ 66 

-Beacon_ 66 

Grognon, Basse du-166 

Groix, Basse de-166 

-He de_165 

-landmarks_165 

Gros Roc (Douhet)-315 

■ -Terrier, Banc du_347 

Grosse Terre, Pointe de-279 

Grouguegues Islet-207 

Grouin du Cou Light- 288, 293 

-Pointe du_ 288, 292 

Guerande, Banc de-208 

Guernic Islet-185 

Guerin, Basse-209 

Guerra, town-469 

Guecho Sands-424 

Guecho, village-425 

Gueneron, lie_422 

Guetaria Bay-407 

-anchorage-408 

■ -directions-408 


Page. 


Guetaria Bay tides_408 

-Port_407 

-town_408 

Guethary Bay_384 

-village_382 

-life saving_385 

Guia, Monte de la_472 

Guibela_421 

Guihel, Basse du_168 

-clearing marks_168 

Guilfinec, Port du_136 

-directions_137 

-life saving_136 

-range lights_136 

-supplies_136 

Guillo Rock_186 

-clearing marks_186 

Guinoec, Banc_158 

Guipuzcoa, Province of_393 

-coast_393 

-currents_393 

-directions_393 

---winds_393 

Guisando Shoal_542 

-clearing marks_542 

Gujan_369 

Gulf. (See proper name.) 

Guric, He_202 

H. 

Haedik_206 

-principal dangers_206 

-Rade de_207 

-anchorage_207 

-directions_207 

-semaphore_206 

-telegraph beacons_206 

Half-tide Rocks_524 

Hardy, Basse_140 

Hars, Pointe d’-328 

Haut Banc du Nord-294 

-Fond d’Ouessant_ 61 

-de Minden_246 

-light buoy_246 

-Fouquet_ 95 

-Perche_267 

Helle, Chenal de la- 84 

-dangers_ 84 

-depths_ 84 

-directions_ 85 

Hendaye Church Tower-390 

-village_ 382, 392 


21235°—17-38 














































































































































































584 


INDEX 


Page. 


Herbaudiere Light, Port 1’_266 

- 1 Pointe de 1’_263 

-Port de 1’_268 

-Beacons_268 

-life-saving_268 

Ilerbes, Basse des_137 

Herchette, La_370 

Hercules Tower_547 

Hergo, Basse_226 

-Tower_226 

Hermine, Basse_101 

Herminio Point_541 

ELernio, Monte_405 

Herrara Quay_400 

Herreca _383 

Higuer, Cape_390 

-Light_390 

-Road_390 

-anchorage_391 

-dangers in approach_390 

-clearing marks_390 

-landmarks_390 

-neutral area_ 391 

-range lights_391 

-tides_392 

Higuera Rock_556 

Hikeric, Basse_225 

Hilera Point_457 

Hocico de Fuera_501 

Home Point_491 

Horadada Islet_450 

-Beacon_450 

-Light-451 

-buoy_450 

Horcado de Cuevas Islet_472 

Hospital Point_541 

Houat, Banc de_204 

-anchorage_205 

-clearing marks_204 

-lie de_202 

-dangers_202 

-telegraph_202 

Hourtin Light_367 

Huchette Beacon, La_367 

Huelga Point_471 

Huic, Le_ 151 

Hydrographic Bulletins_ 3 

I. 

Ibaizabal _428 

Ice in the northeast Atlantic_ 49 

Igueldo, lights-402 


Page. 

Igueldo, Monte_ 401, 405 

lie. (See proper name.) 

- d’Aix_313 

- d’Oleron_301 

-des Poulains Light_190 

-telegraph beacons_190 

Iliss, Basse an_163 

Illarguita_383 

Immaculate Conception, Church of 

the_ 236 

Impairs Bank, Les __237 

Inconnu, L’_225 

Indret Isle_260 

Inner Serrapio_480 

Insua Islet, La_512 

-Mayor-521 

- Point_557 

- Islet—_520 

Iroise, The_ l _ 85 

- Basse de_ 94 

- dangers-91,114 

--- in center of_ 92 

- tidal streams_ 95 

Irun- 394 

Isla. (See proper name.) 

- Bay-445 

- Point- 439, 475 

- Rock_ 445 

-village- 445, 475 

Islares, village__ 439 

Islatte, Roches de 1’_288 

Islattes Tower_293 

Itzarriz, Monte_405 

Izaro Islet_ 419 

Izustarri Point_408 

J. 

.Tacentes Bank_ 542 

Jaizquivel, Monte_ 394 

Jamblet Rocks_ 313 

Jana, Mount_466 

Jard Church_288 

Jardinets Rocks, Les_242 

Jarrio, Monte_ 50 1 

Jata, Monte_ 423 

Jaune, Basse_ 154 

-buoy-89,154 

Jean Jacques Bose, Boulevard_359 

- Port- 191 

-telegraph beacons_191 

JiJr Beacon_ 333 

Jibeles Battery__ 425 


































































































































































INDEX 


585 


Page. 


Joanne, Roches rtu_2S8 

Joaquina Rock_456 

Jonchere mill, La_273 

Joubert, Basse du_141 

Juan de Melao Shoal_487 

- Garcia _ f _ 495 

- Marino Point_508 

Jubia Bay_532 

-River_532 

Juin, Roche de_139 

Juliar Tower Light_333 

Jument, La, Lighthouse_ 56 

-fog signal_ 56 

- Rocks_174 

-buoy_174 

-Tower_174 

Jumet, La (Glenan lies)_151 

-buoy_151 

- Rock, La_134 

-- Beacon_134 


K. 


Kaleri Rock_172 

Karek Allidec_158 

—— ar Forn_157 

- Returner_213 

- Bernard_213 

- Gambromou-157 

- Greis_ 137 

-Beacon_137 

-clearing mark-— 137 

- Hir_139 

- Melanson-157 

- Pell_137 

- Pellan_213 

- Segal-213 

- Soaz, Roche-146 

- Steir-157 

-Beacon_157 


Karekbras-163 

Keleren, Chaussee de- 58 

-He de_ 58 

Kelourou- ^6 

Ker Joanno, Basse de-219 


clearing marks 219 


-Vallee Mill—. 

Kerbean, Pointe de 

Kerbel Lights- 

Kercecol, Basse de 
Kercouedo, Basse _ 
Kerguelen, Anse de 
Kerhelegui Rock- 


236 

217 
176 
163 
214 
170 

218 


Page. 

Kerity_136 

-life saving_136 

Kerlede Lighthouse_247 

Kermorvan Lighthouse_ 74 

-life saving_ 74 

Kernescop Hill_186 

Kerouars, Banc de_263 

-clearing marks_263 

Kerouroc_ 69 

Kerpape Point_169 

Kerpenhir Point_218 

-semaphore_218 

Iverroch, Pointe de, Light_165 

-clearing marks 165 

Ker so Bank_175 

-buoys_175 

Kersos Rocks_158 

-beacon_158 

Ivertel, Port_195 

-anchorage_195 

Kervoyal, Basse de_231 

-Tower_231 

-Point_224 

Kugues, Basse_140 


L. 


La. (See proper name.) 

Laber, Pierre de, Beacon_ 72 

-entrance_ 72 

Laborieux, Basse du- 94 

Ladrona Islet_494 

Lage Bay_ 551, 552 

-de San Pedro_552 

-Point_552 

-Rock_513 

La go Bay_510 

-anchorage_510 

-Point_.-555 

-village_510 

Laida Point_419 

Laja de Bon-551 

-de San Diego_543 

Laje, Punta de_540 

Lajinas_528 

Lambarde Shoal, La-240 

-buoys_240 

-light buoys_240 

Lamiaren, Punta-420 

Lamosas Point-502 

-Reef_502 

Lamparon Rock-495 
















































































































































































586 


INDEX 


Page. 

Lampaul, Baie de_ 56 

-dangers, southern 

entrance_ 57 

-northern entrance _ 57 

-Bay, anchorage_ 58 

-directions_ 57 

-pilots_ 58 

-life-saving station_ 56 

Landerneau, Rivere de_109 

Landes, coast_365 

-currents_366 

-directions_366 

-landmarks_366 

-winds_ 365 

Landevenec, anchorage_120 

-buoyage_ 120 

Landrone River_511 

Langosteira Point_548 

Langre, Cape_446 

Lanninon, torpedo-boat harbor_108 

Lanriec Light_159 

Laouennou, Les_151 

-clearing mark_151 

Lara Point_419 

Laredo _440 

- bluff_440 

- life-saving_441 

- lights_ 441 

Laredo Sands_440 

Large, Basse_ 70 

Larmor Spire_170 

- Tower_170 

- village_170 

Laronesse Rock_229 

-Beacon_229 

Lastra Point_439 

Lastres Bay_475 

-anchorage_476 

-Light_476 

Lastres, Cabo_476 

Lata, Cabo_455 

Latorre Islet_449 

Launay, Port___262 

Lavandeiras Bay_512 

Lavardin, Le, Light_304 

-Plateau du_302 

Laxe Northeast_557 

- Rock_524 

Lay, le_294 

- Port-166 

-Beacons_166 

-measured distance_166 


Pag*. 

Lazaret, Banc du_246 

-buoy_246 

Lazareto, Isla de_448 

-quarantine ground- 448 

Lazaretto (Adour River)_378 

Le. (See proper name.) 

Lee Rock_522 

Leichon de Juanbou_554 

Leichuech Rock_420 

Leiras Point_532 

Leixon del Nordeste_509 

-del Yendaval Rocks_509 

Lemonnier House_ 87 

Lend rove, village_511 

Leno Rock_183 

Lentille, La_123 

Leoneguet Rock_190 

Leoneguettaer_150 

Lequeitio Port_416 

-depths_416 

-directions_417 

-Light_416 

-moles_416 

-mooring buoys_416 

-tides_417 

- River_416 

-Town_416 

-life-saving_416 

-pilots-416 

Les. (See proper name.) 

Leskeraro, Banc_157 

Leuriou_ 154 

Leusada Bay_530 

-light buoy_530 

Leven Rock_238 

Libourne_363 

Liedo, Fort_313 

Liencres Hills_456 

- Point-455 

- Sands_456 

- village-456 

Lieu, Le, Tower, dangers_ 71 

- Roche du_ 80 

- Rock_- 71 

Light Lists, correction of_ 2 

-vessels_ 29 

Lights-5,28 

Limo Point_521 

Limpias_ 442 

- Channel_ 442 

Linera, Punta_465 

Linuen de Cabelloa_ 157 






























































































































































INDEX 


587 


Page. 

Linuen Rock_156 

Lis, Basse du_ 94 

-buoy- 94 

Lit. relief station_371 

Little Arando Point_394 

Llampera Point_491 

- Port_491 

Llanes Port_468 

-directions_469 

Llanes, village_469 

-communication_469 

-life-saviug_469 

-mountains_469 

Llastras Point_476 

Lleixa Rock_486 

Liu meres Bay_488 

Lobas, Las_419 

Locarec Rock_134 

Loch, He du_150 

- River_220 

Loctudy Lights_143 

-Port_146 

-anchorages_146 

-Bar_146 

-Beacons_146 

-dangers in entrance_146 

-depths_146 

-directions_147 

-life-saving_147 

-pilots_146 

-tides and tidal streams_147 

Loedoc Rock_ 61 

Loire, La_263 

- Point de la_272 

-River_ 243, 524 

-above Nazaire_259 

-depths_259 

-pilots_259 

-tides_259 

-approach_235 

-Chenal du Nord_252 

-night- 252 

-Sud_251 

-night- 252 

-submarines_251 

-channels_235 

-depths-235 

-lights_242 

-northerr shore-214 

---outer anchorage_244 

-pilots_251 

--soundings-235 


Page. 


Loire River, southeastern side_244 

-tidal streams_250 

-Roches de la_272 

Loix, Fosse de_296 

Lomba Shoal_535 

-- light buoy_535 

Longa_521 

Longe, la_303 

-buoy_303 

Longue Folle_239 

- lie_105 


Lonjas Rocks_ 

Loqueltas Point_ 

- village_ 

Loquejou, Basse_ 

Lorient_ 

- approaches to_ 

- basin_ 

- channel to_ 

-dangers 

- coal_ 


507 

170 

170 

75 

181 

169 

182 

174 

174 

181 


- commercial port_182 

- communication_181 

- docks_182 

- Harbor_170 

-buoyage_172 

-channels_ 171 

-dangers in approach_171 

-depths_171 

-directions_178 

- life-saving_182 

- new quay_182 

- position_182 

- radiotelegraph_181 

- repairs_182 

- supplies_181 

- time signal___182 

- trade_-_181 

- Lights_175 

Lormont, Port of_359 

Loscolo, Basse de_229 

-Pointe de_229 

Loumener_169 

- Point_169 

Loups, Les_165 

Lou trou_383 

Louve, La, Rock-74,80 

-Tower_74, 89 

Louzaouennou, Basse de- 93 

- Rock_ 93 

Lovre, Basse_236 

---buoy_236 













































































































































































































588 


INDEX 


Page. 

Lozano Islet_498 

Luaila Bank_460 

-Bay_460 

-Beach_460 

-Point_460 

Luanco Bay_486 

-depths_487 

-entrance_487 

-Point_486 

- Port-_487 

-directions_487 

-pilots_487 

-range lights_487 

-supplies_487 

-tides_487 

Luarca, Puerto___ 499, 500 

-Harbor Lights_500 

-pilots_500 

-tides_500 

Lucero, Monte_434 

-Peak_424 

-Point_ 425, 434 

Lucon Canal_295 

I.ue Vras_158 

-buoy_158 

Lupin Bar_321 

- Rocks, beacon_323 

Luz Bridge_475 

Lytiry, lie de- 67 


M. 


Mabessin Shoal_385 

Machichaco Bay_421 

-Cape_418, 422 

-Light_422 

Macuca Point_539 

Madam Isle_314 

-Fort_313 

Madavour Rock_208 

Magdalena Point_539 

Magellan Rock_ 91 

Malante Islet, La__550 

- Shoal_550 

Malata Bay_532 

Malavet, Basse_152 

Mai finches, Les_244 

Maliano Quays_451 

Malla-arria Point_406 


-mineral loading place_407 

Malpica, Port_549 


Page. 

Malpica village_549 

Malvic, Roche_140 

-buoy_140 

Manche_221 

Mannes, Les_312 

Mansle_320 

Manuela_468 

Mar, Cabo_472 

-de Cayon_548 

Marans_295 

-Riviere_295 

Marche Roche de la_288 

Marcobe_407 

Marennes Beacon_334 

-Canol_335 

Margodie, Roche_146 

Marguerites, Les_ 280, 354 

-light buoy_354 

Marbeira Islet_521 

Maria, Port_186 

-dangers_187 

-depth_186 

-life saving_188 

-off-lying banks_188 

Marine, Barre_283 

Mariolle_268 

Maritime de la Basse Loire, Canal 259 

-depths 259 

Marnay Islet_447 

Marobina Islet_540 

Marola Islet_540 

Marron_442 

Martin-arria Rock_407 

Martineau, Basse_237 

Martiniere, La_260 

Marzan Point_508 

- Points_459 

Masclougreiz_100 

Masma River_507 

-Gulf of_504 

Matelier, Passe du_346 

-buoys_346 

-depths_346 

-direction_ 347 

-eastern side_ 347 

-tides and tidal 

streams____*_ 351 

-wreck_347 

Matoc, Banc de_368 

Mats, Basse des_224 

Mats, Plateau des_224 




























































































































































INDEX 


Page. 

Mats, Plateau des Beacon_224 

-buoys_224 

Mattes, Banc des_331 

Mattes du Grand Banc_344 

-buoys_344 

-clearing marks. 344 

Maumusson, Pertuis de_331 

Mauvaise, La_264 

Mayence, Basse_275 

-buoy_275 

Mayor, Cabo_ 446. 448 

-light_448 

-radio_448 

-signal station_448 

- Puerto_420 

Mayores Bank_550 

Maza Bridge_ 463 

Mazo Fort_441 

Meaban, Basse de_219 

-buoy_219 

-Islet_219 

Mean sea level_ 8 

Medee _158 

- Tower_158 

Medoc, Cote de_338 

Meixon _524 

Melbian Rock_ 62 

Men an Treas_150,161 

- ar Bellec_— 218 

-Blanc Rocks, tower_ 57 

-Chy_150 

-Froud Rock_ 60 

-Groas Rock_137 

-Port __156 

- Audierne_ 146 

- Bret Rock_139 

-Tower___139 

- Brial, directions_ 98 

-Lighthouse_ 97 

-Briant Rock_ 66 

- Corn_135 

-Cren_158 

-Daniel_134 

- Diou_142 

-tower_142 

-Du_161 

-Basse_139 

-Beacon_139 

-el Linnen_207 

-er Broc_201 

-Guer_204 

-clearing marks_204 


589 


Men er Houteliguet_ 

-Tower 1_ 

-Roue_ 

-Beacon 

-Yag- 

- buoy_ 

-Fall_ 

- buoy _ 

-Fourchee Rocks_ 

-Goe_ 

-Garo, anchorage_ 

-Grois_ 

-Beacon_ 

-Guen Rock_ 

- Beacon_ 

-Haro_ 

-Liou_ 

-Melein_ 

-clearing marks 

-Meur Rock_ 

-Portz Pious_ 

-Skey Rock_ 

-Talec Rock_ 

-Tensel_ 

-Light_ 

-fog signal 

-Toul, Basse de_ 

-Rock_ 

Mendeja_ 

Mendizorrotz, Monte_ 

Mendufa, Basse_ 

Mendufa Bian_ 

Menehom, Basse_ 

Mengam Rock_ 

-Light_ 

Menhir Rocks_ 

-Light_ 

Menor, Cabo_ 

- anchorage _ 

-Puerto_ 

Mentaron Point_ 

Mer du Fier_ 

Mera Point_ 

Merana Shoal_ 

Merejo Bay___ 

-Point_ 

-village_ 

Merlon Rock_ 

Meron Bay_ 

-Beach_ 

Meryen, Port de- 

Mesa de Noja- 


Page. 

. 204 
. 204 
. 213 
. 213 
. 203 
. 203 
. 158 
. 158 
. 208 
. 151 


_204 

_204 

_134 

_134 

_134 

_151 

_185 

_185 

_136 

_203 

_151 

_136 

_ 61 

_ 62 

_ 62 

_185 

185, 231 

_415 

__406 

__ 94 

__ 94 

_ 95 

__103 

__103 

__134 

__134 

448 

_449 

_421 

__520 

__ 296' 

_541 

_441 

__555 

__555 

__555 

__547 

_478 

_463 

_163 

_445 






































































































































































































590 


INDEX, 


Page. 


Mesnada Hill_477 

-Point_‘_477 

Mesquer, Port de___229 

Mets, Banc des_356 

Meur, Basse, dangers_125 

Micanao Shoal_395 

Michaud, Basse_239 

Midi, Canal du_362 

Miera_447 

Milieu, Banc du_199 

Milit, Basses_167 

-buoy_167 

-Port_ 168 

Millier, Pointe de_123 

-clearing marks_125 

-Point, coast_125 

-Light_ 125 

Miono Point_437 

- River_437 

- village_437 

Mimizan_370 

-life-saving_370 

- village_367 

Min, Port___262 

Mindin, Banc de_246 

-buoy_246 

—— Pointe de_244 

Minimes, Pointe des_309 

Miradorio Point_461 

Miranda Bank_-_537 

-clearing marks_537 

-light buoy_538 

- Islets_537 

-Point_537 

Mirandita Islet_537 

Misiera Point_475 

Mococo Point_415 

Moese Church_313 

Mogro_448 

- Peak_456 

-River_456 

-village_._456 

Moinos Point_518 

Molar Rock_463 

Molene, lie de_ 65 

-anchorage_ 65 

-appoaches_ 64 

-depths_ 64 

-life-saving station _ 65 

-moorings_ 65 

-pilots_ 65 

-—— tides_ 65 


Page. 

Molleda, village___467 

Molnedo Basin_451 

Moliets, relief station_371 

Mompas, Punta de,_401 

Money, French_ 47 

-Spanish_ 48 

Moniello Bay_488 

Monista Islet_490 

Montano Peak_ 424, 434 

Monte. (See proper name.) 

Monte Furado, Punta de_516 

Montares Mount_497 

Montenegro Point_417 

Montfort, Basse_140 

Montignac_320 

Montrevel_340 

-- Banc de_344 

-buoys_344 

-clearing mark_344 

-Bank_347 

Mora Rock_492 

Moral, La_479 

Moras, Cabo_510 

-village_510 

Morbihan, Basse du_214 

- Bay_219 

-dangers in approach_219 

-directions_219 

-entrance_218 

---lights_219 

-pilots_ 220 

-tides and tidal streams- 220 

Morees, Banc des_246 

-Tower __246 

-- Chenal des_254 

-Light, Les_247 

Morgat, Anse de_123 

-anchorage_123 

-dangers_124 

--life station_124 

-Light_123 

Moria Point_462 

Morez Beach_475 

Moro Reef_462 

-Rock_494 

Mota Castle_404 

Motrico, Port_411 

-landmarks_412 

-tides_412 

-town_411 

Moucliere_322 

- buoy-322 





































































































































































INDEX 


591 


Page. 

Mouillage du Bois de la Chase, 


anchorage_269 

Mouillepied_265 

Moullec Rock_100 

Moulin de la Couchette_288 

Moullo, Downs_367 

-Road_368 

Moura Rock_499 

Mouro, I si a de_448 

-- Light_ 448 

Mouron Islet_538 

Mousker Islet_218 

Moutons, He aux_141 

-clearing marks_141 

-Light_141 

Mu el a Rock, La_531 

-clearing mark_531 

-light buoy_531 

Mugardos, village_532 

Mugia, village_555 

Mugron_382 

Mundaca_420 

-Harbor_420 

- River_419 

-Bar_419 

-tides_420 

Mundino Point_552 

Mujeres, Punta_499 

Mule, Port de la_278 

Mus de Loup Pointe Light_335 

Musel Bay_484 

-Harbor_484 

-breakwater_484 

-directions_485 

-life-saving_485 

-trade_485 

Muzquiz Point_435 

- village_ 435 

N. 

Nachitua Point_418 

Najac, Chateau de--138 

Nalon River_495 

Nande Bay_530 

Nantes _260 

- coal_262 

- communication_ 261 

-current_262 

-patent slip-261 

- repairs_261 

- shipping_261 

-supplies_261 


Page. 


Nantes to Brest, Canal_262 

Napoleon Fort___441 

Naranjo de Bulnes_469 

Nariga Point_551 

Narvata Point_488 

Naval dockyards_ 47 

Navallo, Port_220 

-life-saving_220 

-tides and tidal streams- 220 

Navia River_501 

-Bar_501 

- village_501 

Nazaire, Basse_247 

-light buoy_247 

Negade, Point de la_338 

Negra Point_459 

Negras Rocks_498 

Negro, Cabo_491 

Nemio, Monte_549 

Nerroth Beacon_ 96 

- directions_ 99 

- Rock_ 96 

Nespral Peak_441 

Netos Islets_511 

Neuve, Basse_134 

Nevers _243 

Neves, Basse_134 

New Fort Point_554 

Niembro Inlet_470 

- 1 — tides and tidal streams. 470 

-River_470 

-village_470 

Nieto Rock_524 

Ninkinou Shoals_129 

Ninos Cove_551 

Nivelle, Port of_ 390 

Nogales_426 

Noire, Basse_236 

-clearing mark._236 

Noirmoutier, lie de_263 

-coast_263 

-landmarks_263 

- Light_266 

- Port de_268 

-beacons_268 

Nois Point_508 

Noja Bay_445 

- town_445 

Nona, He_134 

Nord, Banc du_368 

-Chenal du___235 

-—— dangers, north side. 236 



































































































































































592 


INDEX, 


Page. 


Nord, Chenal du, dangers, south 

side_239 

-Passe_344 

-dangers, northern side_345 

-southwestern side— 344 

-depths_344 

-directions_346 

-light buoys_342 

--tides and tidal streams. 349 

Normand, Basse du, tidal streams. 64 

Normande, Basse_229 

-buoy_229 

North Breakwater (Musel Har¬ 
bor)_484 

-cranes_485 

-Light_485 

-light buoy 485 

Nortlie, La_264 

Northwest Mole (Port Breton)_275 

-Light_276 

Notices to Mariners_ 2 

Notre Dame d’Arcachon_366 

-de Monts, Pointe de_272 

-Rocks_264 

-Tower_264 

Nouarnou_157 

Nouch, Le_283 

---buoy-283 

Noura, Le_283 

Nouvelle, Basse_198 

-buoy-198 

-clearing mark_198 

Nuestra Senora del Mar_455 

Nueva River_472 

O. 

Observatories_ 48 

Occidentale, Basse_203 

- des Poulains, Basse_190 

- Roche_ 95 

Odet River_138,147 

-anchorages_148 

-depths_147 

-directions_148 

--- pilots_148 

-semaphore_147 

--- tides_149 

Ogono, Cabo_418 

- Monte_419 

Oguella Bay_417 

Oil, use of_ 18 

Olabeaga_431 

Old Basin (Port of Gijon)_481 


Page. 

Old Cillero Village_512 

Olearzu, Monte_394 

Oleiro Bay_498 

Oleron, Coureaux d’_332 

- east coast-316 

- lie d’_301 

- west coast, dangers_329 

-wreck_329 

Olga Mourina_503 

Olibarte, Basse_,_212 

--- beacons-212 

Olives, Banc des_348 

-buoys_348 

Olivo Point_478 

Ondarroa Inlet_412 

-pilots_413 

-tides_413 

- River_412 

- town_413 

Onton Bay_435 

- Point_436 

- River_413,435 

- town_435 

Orange, Port d’_216 

Oreaux Rocks_238 

Orgullo, Monte_401 

Orinon Bay_440 

- Point_440 

- River_ 440 

- village_440 

Orio Bay_406 

Orio River_406 

-Bar_406 

-tides_406 

-village_406 

-pilots_406 

Orjal Islet_508 

Ormenza Point_423 

Orrio de Tapia_503 

-Islet-485 

---mooring buoy_481 

Orrua Bay_409 

Ortegal, Cape_521 

Ortigueira, village_520 

Orzan Bay_ 547 

-Point- 528,547 

Osa Bank, La_480 

- Rock__ - 468,492 

Ossegore, Etang d’_371 

Otoyo, Monte_ 417 

Ouessant, lie d’_ 55 

Ours Kerret Rock_216 























































































































































































INDEX 


593 


Page. 

Ours Kerret Rock Beacon_216 

Outer Port (St. Nazaire)__254 

-depths_254 

- Serrapio_479 

Oyambre, Cabo_463 

Ozas Castle_542 

- Point_542 

-Light_543 

P. 

Padernac_342 

Padron Point_552 

Paille, La__172 

-buoy_172 

Paimbceuf_259 

- Dock_259 

Pain Chateau Point_236 

-buoy_236 

Paix, La_175 

-buoy_175 

—--Tower_175 

Palais, Basse du_192 

-Le_192 

-anchorage_192 

-approaches_193 

-clearing marks_192 

-communication_193 

-dangers_192 

-depths_192 

-life-saving_193 

-supplies_193 

-tides_193 

-wet dock_192 

Palles, Plateau des_322 

-buoy_322 

-Rocks—_314 

-Beacon_314 

Pal lice, La_305 

-Port_307 

-buoys_307 

-docks_308 

-lights_ 304,307 

-pilots_308 

-signals_308 

-wet dock_307 

Pallice, La, Rade-305 

-anchorage_305 

-at night_305 

-beacons_305 

-prohibited anchor¬ 
age_306 

---submarines_306 


Page. 


Palma Castle, La_530 

-Shoal_ 531 

-clearing marks_531 

-light buoy_531 

Palmyre Lighthouse, La_340 

-Pointe de la_338 

Palo de Poo_470 

-Verde Islet_472 

Pancha Islet_505 

-Light_506 

Panchorro Bank_506 

Panree, Pointe de la_278 

Pantin Bay_525 

-Point_524 

-village_525 

Panxallo Rock___524 

Parc, Pointe du_313 

Parquette_116 

-Basse de la_ 93 

-Beacon Town_ 70 

--La, Beacon_ 93 

-Rock___ 92 

-Tower_ 92 

Parri Point_469 

Parotte Mole( Coruna Port)_544 

Pas River_456 

Pasajes de Espana_369 

-Francia_369 

-Port-394 

-beacons_397 

-Channel_396 

-beacons_396 

-eastern side_396 

-western side_396 

-dangers in approach_395 

-within entrance_395 

-depths_395 

-entrance_394 

-Harbor_397 

-depths_397 

-directions_398 

-life-saving_398 

-pilots_39S 

-tides and tidal 

streams_398 

-lights_395 

-range lights_396 

--signals_397 

Pasiega Islet_456 

Passage. (See proper name.) 

-de Beniguet_ 85 

-directions__85 





































































































































































































































594 


INDEX 


Page. 

Passage du Corbeau_116 

-Fromveur_ 61 

-dangers_ 61 

-tidal streams_ 63 

-Petit Leac’h_115 

--- Toulinguet_115 

-Point_441 

Passe, Basse de la_146 

-de la Chimere_ 64 

-des Charpentiers_245 

-Las_64, 85 

Patarroja Point_502 

Patiras Light, He de_355 

Patrocinio_457 

Pauillac Light_354 

-pilot station_342 

-Port de_357 

-bare_357 

-tides_357 

-to Bordeaux_358 

-depths_358 

Paux, Anse du_216 

Pechon Beach_466 

-Point_466 

-village_466 

Ped regal_489 

Pedrena Point_447 

Pedrido Reef_542 

Penfret, lie de_150 

-anchorage_152 

-directions_152 

-life-saving_152 

-lights_150 

-pilots_152 

-telegraph beacons_150 

-tides_152 

Pego Rock_548 

-clearing mark_548 

Pegollo Rock_486 

Peignes, Les_ 263, 272 

Pekachiya Rock___400 

Pelen Rock_ 94 

-Tower_ 94 

Pellereso Point_465 

Pellerin, Le_259 

Pelorus_ 13 

Pen a Men_152 

Pen an Guern_141 

Pen ar Roc’h, Baie de_ 59 

-directions 60 

-II ir Point_ 89 

-coast_121 


Page. 

Pen Hir Point semaphore_ 89 

Pen Men Light_ 166 

-Point_166 

Pena Blanca Point_410 

-Boa Mount_547 

-Point_547 

- Cape_489 

-current_489 

-- dangers_490 

-directions_491 

-light_490 

-winds_489 

-Castillo__ 447, 455 

-Ciscada Point_538 

-de las Animas_542 

-del Piloto_425 

-Mayor_464 

-Point_412 

-Menor Islet_464 

-Rubia Point_478 

-Santa_474 

-Cercada Rock_486 

-de los Angeles_ 486 

-Light_486 

Penarvir Point_119 

Pendules Point_468 

Peneiron Rock_555 

Penerf, Basse de_225 

-clearing mark_225 

- Port_224 

-pilots_224 

-tides and tidal streams. 224 

-Rade de_223 

Pengarne Rocks_!_175 

-Tower_175 

Pengloc’h, Basse_ 61 

Penhouet Basin_254 

Penic Rock_ 97 

Penlan Point_230 

-Light_230 

Penmarc’h Church_133 

-- Point_133 

---clearing marks_135 

--- directions_135 

-fog signal_133 

-life-saving_133 

-lights-133 

-semaphore_133 

-tides-135 

-Roches de_133 

Penote Point_475 

Penoupele, Basse_104 












































































































































































































INDEX 


595 


Page. 

Penvins, Plateau de_223 

-buoy_223 

-Pointe de_222 

Penzers, Basses_ 78 

-buoy_ 78 

Peon Rocks, El_487 

Peral_463 

Peran Point_485 

Percebera Rock_459 

Perche, La_265 

Perdrix, Roche des_146 

-Light_146 

Pereiro Rock_530 

Perenes, Basse_150 

Peres, Basse des_265 

-buoy_265 

-clearing mark_265 

Perez Mole (Ferrol Harbor)_536 

Pero Dente Bank_548 

Perotine, La_:_316 

-buoy_316 

-Mole Light_ 304 

Perquis Bank_335 

Perroche, La, Bay_330 

-beacons_330 

-— tides_331 

Pertuis d’Antioche_300 

-general directions_318 

-northern side-300 

-southern side_301 

-tides and tidal streams- 319 

-to la Pallice_318 

-Rochelle_318 

----Rade de l’lle d’Aix_ 319 

-des Basques 319 

--Breton_ 288, 291 

-tidal streams-299 

-de Maumusson_331 

- Les, approach_290 

Peruse, La-284 

Pescador Point-441 

-Light_442 

Pesues, village-466 

Petit Boucard-313 

-Charpentier Bank-239 

-buoy_239 

-Tower_239 

- Cochon_165 

-Leac’h, Chenal du-93,115 

-Le_ 93 

- Melgorne- 71 

-Minou, clearing marks- 91 


Page. 

Petit Minou Point, light_ 87 

- Oge_264 

- Sece_231 

---rocks_242 

- : -Tower_231 

- Taro_157 

-Beacon_157 

-Taureau, Le_ 69 

-Traict, Le_244 

-Treho, Le_217 

-buoy_217 

- Barge___ 282 

-Tower_282 

-whistle buoy_282 

-Basse de Houat_204 

-clearing mark- 204 

-Portz Paul_ 77 

-Bayonne_381 

-Foule Hill_274 

-Lighthouse_274 

-fog signal_274 

9 

Petite Rade anchorage_249 

Petits Pourceaux__154 

-Cardinaux, Les_206 

-Tower_206 

Peton Bank_499 

- Rock_ 486, 524 

- Shoal_495 

Petones Bank_549 

Peyes Islet_471 

Peyriere, La_175 

-Light_175 

Pias Hill_548 

Pico del Castelo de Borroneiros— 552 

- de Gallo_448 

-Sueve_475 

-Tarbina_469 

Picota Point_550 

Piedra Alzada_407 

-Co. de Esteiro_512 

-Ilueso_480 

- la Moura_499 

- Point_410 

-San Justo-__480 

- Vend aval_480 

Piedras Meas_519 

Pierre, Chenal de la-267 

- d’Orge, La_172 

-Tower_172 

-de Conguel_212 

-du Chenal, La_ 264, 267 

Pierres Dupont, Les-212 












































































































































































































596 


INDEX 


Page. 


Pierres Dupont Beacon, Les-212 

Pierre Moine_265 

-anchorage southward of_ 269 

-Tower_265 

- Percee, La_238 

-buoy_238 

-St. Paul_ 73 

Pierres Noires_ 68,213,282 

-beacons __213 

-buoys_213 

-clearing marks_213 

-Basse Occidental des_68 

-Chaussee des_ 68 

-fog signal_ 68 

-Light_ 68 

-Les_185 

-clearing mark_185 

-Tower_185 

- Vertes_ 62 

Pignon, Le_154 

--buoys_154 

-clearing marks_154 

-rocks_154 

Pilier, He du_ 241 

-semaphore_242 

-Lighthouse, lie du_243 

-fog signal_243 

-life-saving_243 

Pilot Charts_ 3 

-signals_ 30 

- vessels_ 31 

-lights_ 31 

Pilotage (French coast)_ 29 

- (Spanish coast)_ 30 

Piloting _ 15 

Pilours Islet_280 

Pipy, Basse-.-140 

Piriac, Plateau de_229 

---clearing mark_229 

- Port_230 

-Light_230 

-village_229 

Piriou, Basses_ 129 

Pironniere, Basse de la_288 

Pistana Point_471 

Pitorro Bank_442 

Placen ar Beniguet_ 69 

Placeta_383 

Pladen Rock_150,157 

-Beacon_157 

Plaine, La_262 

Plancha Rock_ 464, 476 

Planes for reference_ 7 


Page. 


Plata, Cape la_395 

-Light_395 

Plate, La, Light_ 88 

-Rock, dangers_ 87 

Plateau. (See proper name.) 

-d’Angoulin_303 

-de Chauveau_302 

-la Helle, western side_84 

-des Duraignes_303 

-du Lovardin_302 

Platin de Grave_345 

-buoy_345 

-Richard_355 

Platresses, Les_ 79 

- Light_ 79 

Playa de Barreira_555 

-Chueos_512 

-Doninos_527 

-Lago_555 

-Loira_524 

-los Quebrantes-_495 

-San Antolin_471 

-San Julian_512 

-Lorenzo_479 

--- Santa Justa_459 

-Sestao_430 

-Soesto_552 

-del Grallah_ u _513 

-Sardinero_449 

—— Longa_516 

Plencia River_423 

-bar_423 

--- tides_424 

- village_424 

Plomb, Pointe du_295 

Ploubannanec Steeple_138 

Plougastel_105 

Plouharnel Church_186 

Pohen, Le, Rock_ 94 

Plouneour Steeple_138 

Pointe. (See proper name.) 

Pointe de Corsen_ 73 

-Kerdonis Lighthouse_194 

-Kermorvan Light_ 74 

-1’Aiguille Beacon_313 

-St. Mathieu_ 75 

-du Parc_313 

Pointeau, Banc du_244 

Pois Marins_283 

Pollux Rock_101 

Pont Socrf, Riviere_181 

-d’Yeu_ 279 












































































































































































































INDEX 


597 


Page. 


Pont d’Yeu buoy_270 

-directions_279 

■—- de Sein_ 95 

-l’Aae_146 

—— Labbe River_138,146 

Pontchou_ 93 

Ponteau, Le_244 

Pontivy_262 

Poo Bay_469 

Porcia Bay_503 

-River_503 

Pormenande Bay_502 

Pornic_267 

-anchorage off_269 

-channels_267 

• -life-saving_268 

-Light_266 

-pilots_267 

-Port_267 

-tidal signals_268 

Pornichet_236 

-Casino_236 

Porsac, Basse_163 

Port. (See proper name.) 

-Audierne_131 

-Life Station_132 

-pilot mast_132 

-— tidal streams_132 

-tides_132 

-Blanc Creek_194 

■ -de Brigneau Light-162 

-la Biche Creek_194 

• -Huelen Creek_194 

■ -Larron Creek_194 

-Launay_121 

-tides_121 

-Louis Citadel_171 

-Harbor_170 

-anchorages_176 

-mooring buoys-176 

-pilots-178 

-prohibited anchor¬ 
age-1^7 

-tides and tidal 

streams_177 

-lights-176 

-town_171,181 

-Navallo Point-219 

-Light_219 

-Nord de Fouras-312 

-Pasajes-399 

-coal_400 


Page. 

Fort Pasajes, communication_400 

-quays_400 

-repairs___400 

-supplies_400 

-trade_400 

-Regulations, French_ 33 

-Rhu_126 

-Rocher du_275 

-Beacon_275 

-buoy_275 

-Salio Creek_190 

-Sud de Fouras_321 

-Tudy Lights_167 

-dangers_167 

Portal iguen_216 

-life-saving_216 

-Light_216 

-tides and tidal streams_215 

-Tower_216 

Portas Islet_468 

Portce range lights_247 

Porteau, Anse du_267 

Portelas Islets_507 

Portelo Beach_541 

-Islet_541 

Portivi Bay_186 

Portizuelo River_511 

Portocelo, village_511 

Portonovo Bay_526 

Portuande_416 

Portuchiqui_ 409, 416 

Portugalete anchorage_430 

-buoys_430 

Portz Chudel_*_202 

-Navalo_202 

-Naye_ 90 

Portzic, Pointe du_101 

-semaphore_101 

Position lines_ 13 

Potee, La_147 

•-de Beuree, La_ 175, 283 

- 1 — Beacon_175 

-buoys_175 

-Citadel_175 

-Tower_175 

Potorroach Point_422 

Poul Bras_135 

Poul-haut Rock-184 

-Le_227 

Poulains Isle_190 

- Les_142,190 

-Beacon_142 













































































































































































































598 


INDEX 


Page. 

Poulains, Pointe des_190 

-buoy_190 

-clearing marks_190 

Pouldon, Port du_196 

Pouldu, Anse du_164 

-anchorage_164 

-semaphore_164 

- Bank_130 

Poulhaut mill_236 

Pouliguen, Baie du_237 

-beacons_237 

-dangers_237 

-directions_238 

--- tides_•_238 

- Church, Le_236 

- Le_237 

-life-saving_237 

-lights_237 

-pilotage_238 

Pourceaux, Chaussee des_ 79 

- Les_:_154 

-clearing marks_154 

-Tower_154 

Pozo, Punta del_473 

Praderas Point_541 

Prado Point_507 

Prados Point_525 

Preau Bank_293 

Prefailles, Chateau de_262 

- life-saving_268 

Preguntoiro Point_524 

Preoire Rocks_265 

Presqu’ile de Kelern_ 85 

-Kermorvan_ 74 

--Quiberon_186 

-landmarks_186 

-semaphore_186 

Preveso Point_508 

Prieto, Cabo __471 

Prior, Cape_519, 526 

-Light_ 526 

Priorino, Cape_528 

- Chico, Cape_528 

-Light_528 

- Grande, Cape_528 

Promontorio Point_507 

- Punta_449 

Puentedeume, village_* 539 

Puerto. (See proper name.) 

- Punta_ 449 

Punta. (See proper name.) 

Puntal Point_ 512 


Page. 

Puron Bay_468 

Putains, Les_._134 

-Beacon_134 

Q. 

Quai de Lesseps_ 377 

-des Forges, lights_376 

Quatre Pompes Jetty Beacon_106 

Quarn Marc'h_198 

-Beacon_198 

-buoy_198 

Quebranta Chica_554 

- Grande_554 

Quebrantas, Banco de las_450 

-Shoal_554 

Queimada Islet_512 

Quejo, Cape_446 

Quemenes, lie de_ 66 

Queyries Wharf (Bordeaux)_359 

Queval, Le, Rock_130 

Quiberon, Banc de_211 

-buoy_ 211 

-clearing marks_ 212 

-Baie de_210 

-—-approach, d i r e c - 

tions_ 200 

--anchorage_214 

-dangers_ 211 

--landmarks_ 211 

-moorings_215 

---tides and tidal 

streams_215 

-western approach_199 

Quignenec, Port_191 

-relief station_191 

-shoal water_191 

Quimper_149 

•-communication_149 

-repairs_ 149 

-River-138,147 

-supplies_149 

Quimperle, Riviere de_164 

-dangers_165 

-pilots-164 

- town_164 

Quintress, Cape_446 

R. 

Rabanal Point_ 423, 439 

Rabia Bay_ 462 

-Inlet-462 

- Islet-462 



























































































































































































INDEX 


599 


Page. 

Rabion Islet_497 

- Point_497 

Rada_442 

Rade. (See proper name.) 

-Basse de la_194 

-de Basques_306 

-la Pol lice_305 

-File d’Aix_314 

Radio time signal (Eiffel Tower)- 46 

- weather signals (Eiffel 

Tower)_ 45 

Raguen Rock_134 

Ranvel, Le_ 69 

Raoulic Point_131 

-lights_ 131 

Raso Beach_538 

-Point_538 

Rastrillar Battery_440 

Ratin Point_491 

Rayo Point_494 

Raz de Sein_100,112,128 

- -at night_116 

-depths_100 

-traffic_113 

-Pointe du_ 88 

-coast_128 

Razo Point_549 

Re, lie de_291 

Reboira Bay_511 

Rechalda Shoal_492 

Recherche Bank_210 

-Basse de la_ 69 

-Plateau de la_209 

Redes Bay_539 

-anchorage_539 

- Castle_539 

-Point_539 

- village_539 

Redon_233 

-Basin_233 

Redonda, La_395 

-Point_530 

- River_441 

Redoute de Vergerou-323 

Refuge anchorages- 48 

-Harbor_105 

---eastern breakwater-107 

-■-military port-106 

-southern breakwater — 107 

Reissant_ 135 

Remedios Point-460 

Renard, Basse du, shoal-104 

21235°—17-39 


Page. 


Renards, Basse des_75,105 

-buoy_ 75 

-Les_ 75 

Rennes_233 

Repentie, La, village_295 

Requeixo Point_:_494 

Requejada, village_459 

Reventada Point_553 

Rhune, La_379 

•-Mont la_388 

Ria de Pravia_495 

-bar_495 

-breakwater_496 

-directions_496 

-tides and tidal 

streams_496 

Richard Light_355 

Richelieu Tower (La Rochelle)_309 

Riec, Point de_162 

Rinchau_264 

Ringeau, Le_264 

Rio Brazomar_437 

-de Cubas_447 

-Santa Marta_519 

-de Villaviciosa_476 

-entrance, eastern 

side_476 

- 1 -western side_476 

-tides_._478 

-del Puerto_554 

-Negro_500 

-Nervion_428 

-Channel lights_429 

-depths to Bilbao_428 

---eastern side_431 

-lights_429 

——-regulations_433 

---signals_429 

-•-tides and tidal streams - 432 

-tug_429 

- : -western side_430 

t -Piles_479 

-Sor_517 

-Rocks_492 

Rivadeo_507 

-communication_507 

-Inlet_505 

-anchorage_506 

-dangers, eastern side_505 

-western side_506 

-depths_505 

-directions_506 






















































































































































































600 


INDEX 


Page. 


Rivadeo Inlet, eastern side of en¬ 
trance _505 

-landmarks_505 

-mole_506 

-pilots_506 

— -tides_507 

-western side of entrance 505 

-life-saving_507 

-repairs___507 

-supplies__ 507 

-village_505 

Rivedoux, village_298 

Rivadesella_474 

-coal_474 

-communication_474 

-Harbor_472 

-bar_473 

-Channel_473 

-directions_473 

-entrance, eastern side_472 

-western side_473 

-lights_473 

-pilots_473 

-tides and tidal streams- 474 

-life-saving_474 

-new works_474 

-shipping_474 

-supplies_474 

-trade_474 

Riviere. {See proper name.) 

Rivera Mole (Musel Harbor)_484 

Roanne__243 

Robaleira Point- 524 

-Light_525 

Robine de Narbonne_363 

Rocemada Rock_521 

Roc’h Helou_139 

-buoy_139 

-Mel Rock_ 59 

Roch Melen_208 

Rocha, La_293 

Rochas, Le_264 

-to Marans Canal_312 

Rochelle, La, Bay_309 

-Tower_309 

-Channel_310 

-lights___304 

-Port_310 

— -flushing_311 

-navigability_310 

-pilots_311 

-tidal harbor_310 


Page. 

Rochelle, La., tides_311 

---town_311 

-communication_312 

-consul_312 

-hospital_311 

-repairs_311 

-supplies_312 

-trade_ 312 

Roche fi Vason_288 

-Bernard_232 

-anchorage_232 

-Bonne Light_289 

-lighthouse building_289 

-light buoys_289 

-Plateau_289 

-tides_290 

-de Kervaire_■_ 229 

-Beacon_229 

-Lomariaker_210 

-buoy___210 

-Pembaie_229 

-Sarzeau_^_210 

-clearing marks_210 

-des Basques__303 

-du Hoche_197 

-Sud (Lavardin)_302 

-Nord-Ouest_240 

-Sud-Est_212 

- Rat_212 

- Revision_218 

- Souris_212 

-clearing marks_212 

Rochefort commercial port_323 

-basins_323 

-port regulations_325 

-military port_324 

-radio station_326 

- tides_322 

- to Tonnay-Charente_326 

-town-326 

---coal-326 

-communication_326 

-supplies_326 

-repairs_326 

-time signal_326 

Rocher d’Amour, Le_302 

-d’Antioche_303 

-Refuge Beacon_303 

-du Bas_295 

- Le-220 

Roches de Charveau_302 

-la Barre_372 
























































































































































































































INDEX 


601 


Page. 

Roches de la Fosse_272 

-Magoero_183 

-Mousterlin, Les_142 

-buoy-142 

-clearing marks- 143 

-Roil in_264 

-du Repos_282 

-du Sud Est_313 

Roda Point_555 

Rodicio_521 

Rodiles, Monte_476 

- Point_476 

Roh Beniguet_223 

-Beacon_223 

- Goulien_185 

-Naben_._223 

Rohellan Rock_184 

Roheu Rocks_183 

-Tower_183 

Rohtres_229 

■-Tower._229 

Roitre des Bassets_340 

Itoliou Rock_170 

Romanella Rock_490 

Romanellas Islets_500 

Rompedoiro Rock_548 

Ronadoira Mountain_508 

Roncadoira Point_511 

Ronce Bank_335 

Roncudo Point_ 551 

Ronde, He, northern side_119 

Ronfle Rock_238 

Roquefort_362 

Rosape Cove_420 

Roscanvel, Baie de_105 

Rostolou_140 

- buoy_140 

Rostro Point_447 

Rouge, Basse_141 

-clearing marks__ 141 

-Tower_141 

Rougeole, La_245 

-light buoy_246 

Rouget, Roche du- 80 

-light buoy_ 80 

Rouleau, Le-202 

-Tower___202 

Roumanellas Point-500 

Round Point_ 530 

Rouses ar Veil, Basse-.*.-140 

Rousse, La---147 

Route du Goa-266 


Page. 


Rovallera Point_ 497 

-Light-497 

Royale, Basse_ 70 

Roy an- 352 

-communication_352 

-Mole (Royan Port)_353 

-Light-353 

-signal mast_ 353 

-pilot station_ 342 

- Port- 353 

-light- 353 

-Road-353 

-anchorage_ 353 

-life-saving- 353 

-tides- 353 

Itozen, Basse_ 94 

Rubia Point_503 

Ituiloba Point_460 

- village-460 

Rumeles Point_504 

Run, Le_ 151 

S. 

Sabiote River_ 413 

Sablaire, La_275 

-buoy-276 

Sables d’Olonne, Bay of Les_283 

-anchorage 285 

-dangers 283 

288 

-depths_285 

-directions 285 

-landmarks 288 

-Port des_285 

-approach_282 

-bar_286 

-basin_286 

-channel_286 

-coal_287 

-depths_286 

---directions_287 

-flushing reser¬ 
voir_286 

-Hospital_287 

-landmarks_282 

-life-saving_287 

-pilots_284 

-repairs_287 

-shipping_287 

-signals_287 

-slips __287 

-soundings_283 






























































































































































































602 


INDEX 


Page. 

Sables d’Olonne, Port des, streams- 287 


-supplies_287 

-tidal signals_287 

---tides and tidal 

streams_287 

-trade_287 

-tug_287 

Sabliere, La_317, 322 

-buoy_317, 322 

Sabugo Point_488 

Sada, village_540 

Sailing Directions, correction of_ 2 

Sainas Point_511 

Saintes_320 

Saintonge Channel_344 

-Cote de_338 

Saints_ 95 

Saisies Reef, Les_172 

-Beacon_172 

Saja River_459 

Salcedon_431 

Salta Caballo Point_437 

Salue Sands_— 441 

Salvache Rock_420 

Samsun Creek_194 

San Adrian, Cabo_549 

-Monte_549 

-Agustin, Cabo_501 

-Amade Point_540 

-Antonio Bay_519 

-Chapel_523 

-del Mar Beach_ 471 

-Point_ 469, 486 

-Light_469 

-Antolin River_471 

-Anton Castle_542 

-Light_543 

-Island_407 

-Harbor_407 

-Light_407 

-Islet_542 

-Bartolome Point_549 

-Carlos Castle_529 

-Ciprian, Port_509 

-directions_510 

-pilots_509 

-supplies_509 

-tides_509 

-trade_509 

-River_509 

-village_509 

-Clemente Bank_510 


Page. 


San Cosme_466 

-Cristobal Battery_529 

-Monte_529 

-Diego Castle_542 

-Point_542 

-Emeterio Point_468 

-Light_468 

-Esteban_496 

-de Pravia_497 

-- - communica¬ 
tion _497 

-supplies_497 

-trade_497 

-pilot_496 

-village_495 

-Felipe Castle_529 

- Felix de Esteiro River_524 

-Francisco Convent_442 

- Guillen_438 

- Ignacio Point_425 

-Jorge Bay_526 

-Beach_526 

- Juan_ 369, 396 

-Basin_493 

--supplies_493 

--— Bay_513 

-de Coba_513 

-la Arena_495 

-Pena Islet_422 

-del Canal Point_455 

-Hermitage_422 

-Diet_512 

-Mole_512 

-village_492 

-Julian, Cabo_519, 521 

-Lorenzo, Cabo_478 

-Martin Castle_530 

-de la Arena_457 

-anchor¬ 
age - 458 

-approach- 456 

-bar_457 

- - direc¬ 
tions - 458 

-pilots_458 

-tides and 

tidal streams_459 

-tugs__ 459 

-Islet_470 

-Point_449 

- Mames_430 

-Miguel de Breamo, Monte_539 























































































































































































































































INDEX. 


603 


Page. 


San Miguel Hill_477 

- Nicolas Islet_416 

-Point_412 

-- Pedro-396 

-Bay _4S6, 552 

-del Mar_455 

-Punta_455 

-Islet_548 

-Point__469 

- Roman Beach_515 

San Sebastian_405 

-Bay_402 

-anchorage_402 

---approach_401 

-directions_404 

-mooring buoys_402 

-tides, tidal streams, 

and current_403 

-pilots_403 

-Cabo_503 

-coal_405 

-communication_405 

-Harbor_403 

-life-saving_403 

-lights_403 

-pilots_403 

-range lights_403 

-wet basin_403 

-Hospital_405 

-Port_486 

-supplies_405 

-Telmo_409 

■- Vicente de la Barquera_463 

-Channel _ 464 

- - - - - direc¬ 
tions _464 

-pilots_464 

-signals_465 

-tides_465 

-village_465 

---western 

side _463 

-Luana_460 

-Islet_ 423, 520 

Sanguinet, life-saving-370 

Santa Ana Castle-437 

-Light_ 437 

-Hermitage_396 

-Mount_497 

-Rock_437 

-Catalina Hermitage_463 

-Mole_481 


Page. 

Santa, Catalina Point_410, 417 

-Light_417 

-Christina Islet_541 

-Clara, Cabo_412 

-Hermitage_412 

-Island_401 

-danger_402 

-Light_402 

-Monte_410 

-Point___468 

-Comba Point_526 

-Cruz-541 

-de la Mota_401 

-Gadia Point_503 

-Isabel Castle_396 

•-Marina Island_447 

-Sand_ 472,553 

-Marta, Puerto_520 

-directions_521 

-tides_521 

-village-519 

Santander, Bar of_449 

-Channel_449 

-dangers, northern side_450 

-southern side_450 

-depths_449 

-Mole_ 451 

Santander Port_451 

-approach___446 

-depths_447 

-landmarks_447 

-directions_452 

-docks_451 

-entrance_446 

-northern side_448 

-southern side_447 

-harbor lights_451 

-quays-451 

-piers_451 

-tides and tidal streams- 452 

-tugs_452 

-Province_435 

-coast_435 

-currents_436 

-winds_436 

-town_453 

-coal_454 

-communication_454 

-dock_454 

-hospital_454 

-life-saving_454 

--radio station_ 454 













































































































































































































































































604 


INDEX 


Page. 


Santander, town, repairs_454 

-shipping_454 

-storm signals_454 

-supplies_454 

-trade_454 

Santiago_409 

Santiuste Inlet_468 

Santo, Punta del_517 

Santona_444 

-Bar_442 

-Harbor_443 

-pilots_443 

-Inlet_442 

-depths_442 

-directions__444 

-tides and tidal streams- 444 

-Monte_ 424, 441 

-Port_443 

-anchorage_443 

-buoys_443 

-outer anchorage_443 

-supplies_445 

-tugs_445 

Santurce_426 

Santurraran Point_412 

Sartana Point_ 555 

Sarridal Point_523 

Sarzeau Church_223 

Saumur_243 

Sauzey, Basse_275 

Sauzon, Port de_190 

---anchorage_191 

-dangers_191 

-directions_191 

-lights_191 

-relief station_191 

Sausaten Bay_415 

-anchorage_415 

— : -mooring buoy_416 

Seal, Pointe du_232 

Score, Le_157 

Segal Island_ 73 

Segano Point_530 

-signal station_530 

Segunda Islet___456 

Seignosse relief station_371 

Sein, Chaussee de_ 95 

-caution_ 96 

-dangers_ 97 

-fog signals_ 96 

-lie de_ 96 

-beacons_._88, 96 


Pags. 


Sein, lie de, channels leading to_98 

-landmarks_ 96 

-Lighthouse_95,98 

-lifeboat_ 99 

-pilots_ 98 

-radio fog signal_ 98 

-Road_ 99 

-tidal stream_ 99 

-tides_ 99 

Seijo Blanco Point_541 

-Point_519 

-village_532 

Seluc_ 156 

- Beacon_156 

Semaphores_ 44 

Senocozulua Light_395 

Senorio Rock_497 

Sepes Reef_396 

Serantes Chico, Monte_434 

- Monte_426 

- Peak_424 

- Point_527 

Serropio Bank_472 

-de Tierra_480 

-Light_480 

-Mar_479 

Serrido Point_508 

Serron Bank_499 

- de la Torella Reef_ 537, 540 

- Islet_499 

Servante, La_242 

Sestao Creek_430 

- village_430 

Seudre River_334 

-beacons_334 

-entrance_334 

-Gridiron_335 

-tides_336 

Sevre Nantaise_261 

- Niortaise_295 

Siege, La- 69 

Sierra de Eigil_523 

-Santa Olalla Shoal_486 

- Shoal_486 

Siguelos Islets_518 

Silla Point_465 

Sille, Punta de la_463 

-Light_463 

Sillon Jetty_ 90 

-Light- 90 

Sisarga Chica_ 550 

Sisargas Channel_550 
































































































































































































INDEX 


605 


Page. 


Sisargas Grande__550 

-• Islets_550 

-Light_550 

-Reefs_550 

Sismundi, village_520 

Sobrepuesta, Punta_517 

Socastro Point_ 512 

Socoa Breakwater (St. Jean de 

Luz Bay)-385 

- Fort_382 

-Light_380 

-semaphore_380 

- Point_385 

- Port du_389 

-life-saving_387 

- - - tides and tidal 

streams_387 

Sceurs, Les_ 175,201,205 

-Beacon_175 

-Rocks_105 

-Tower_205 

- Passage des_205 

-depths_205 

-directions_205 

Soldats, Les_150 

-Beacon_150 

Solita Islet_450 

Sollube, Monte_422 

Somas Hills__ 473 

-Light_473 

- Punta_473 

Sombriza Islet_510 

Somio Bay_478 

Somocueva Point_455 

Somonte Point_508 

Somorrostro River_434 

- Sand_435 

Somos Llungo Bank-490 

Sonabia Point_440 

Soundings, French tidal datum— 28 

South Breakwater (Musel Har¬ 
bor)---485 

- Pass-171 

-dangers in_173 

-directions_179 

- Quay (Port Pasajes)_400 

Souris, Basse de la-134 

Spain (North Coast), soundings— 24 

Spernec Rock, Le-167 

-Beacon_167 

Spinec, Basse-134 

St. Benoist Riviere-294 


Page. 


St. Bernard Bank_370 

- Brevin_244 

-1’Ocean_244 

- Carlos Point_441 

- Charles, Basse_ 79 

- Cyr en Retz Church_262 

-Denis— ( _314 

-Port_314 

-beacons_315 

---directions_315 

-life-saving_315 

-pilots_315 

-tidal streams_314 

- Esprit_381 

-Bridge_376 

-Francois, Basse_237 

-Georges, Banc de_345 

-buoys_345 

-Light_ 342 

- Gildas, Basse de_214 

-buoy_214 

-clearing marks- 214 

-Pointe de_244 

-semaphore_244 

-Gilles__280 

-pilots_281 

-sur Vie_280 

-anchorage_281 

-fog signal_281 

---range lights __ 281 

-tidal streams_281 

-Guenole, Port_133 

-Jacques, Basse de_223 

-buoy__223 

-Plateau de_223 

-Point_222 

-Jean de Monts_280 

-telegraph bea¬ 
cons_280 

-des Orbietieres_288 

-mill_288 

-de Luz_391 

-Bay_385 

-anchor¬ 
age_387 

--break¬ 
waters_385 

-dangers 

in approach_385 

- within 

the bay_386 

-directions. 388 




























































































































































































































606 


INDEX 


Page. 


St. Jean de Luz Bay, lights-386 

-moorings- 387 

-tides and 

tidal streams __387 

-towers_386 

-light_386 

-life-saving_387 

-pilots_386 

-Plateau de_383 

-clearing 

marks_383 

-Port de_390 

-Julien, Basse_213 

-Lambert Light_355 

-Laurent Abbey_296 

-Peninsula_ 71 

-Shoals, beacon_322 

-Louis, • Basse_ 79 

-Marc_243 

•-Banc de_ 105, 245 

-buoy_245 

-life-saving_249 

-Tower_243 

-Martin_296 

-Pointe_384 

-Light_380 

--Mathieu Point Beacon_ 86 

-coast_ 86 

-lights_ 75 

-Medard, Basse_140 

■ -Michel Islet_171 

-buoy_171 

■ -Nazaire_257 

-Basin_255 

-east lock_255 

-old entrance_255 

-south lock_255 

-Channel to_245 

-buoyage_248 

-dangers, east¬ 
ern side-246 

-western 

side _245 

-depths_245 

-dredgers_257 

-light buoys_248 

-lights___247 

-prohibited an¬ 
chorage _249 

-coal_258 

-communication_257 

-customhouse regulations. 258 


Page. 


St. Nazaire Hospital_257 

-Outer Port fog signal_248 

——-Light_248 

-Mole Light_248 

-Port_254 

-docks_256 

-pilots_256 

-port dues_256 

-prohibited anchor¬ 
age _ 256 

-signals prohibiting 

anchorage_256 

-quarantine regulations _ 258 

--- repairs_258 

-shipping_257 

-tides_249 

-town_243 

-trade_257 

-Nicolas, Anse de_123 

-Banc de_347 

-Downs_341 

-Light_341 

-Fort_283 

-lie_150 

--- Mole_284 

-Light_284 

-semaphore_338 

-Oual, Basse_139 

-Paterne_221 

-Philibert Church_ 156 

-Riviere de_218 

-Pierre Bank_ 104 

-Basse_ 79 

-buoy_ 79 

-Light_342 

-Port_216 

-life-saving_216 

-Tower (La Cotiniere)_330 

-village_133 

-Savior Church (lie d’Yeu)_274 

-Sebastian Chapel_236 

-Severin Beacon_330 

-Trojean_301 

-Channel_328 

-They Islet_ 88 

Standard time_ 48 

Ste. Anne, Basse_206 

-Pointe de_390 

-Barbe Point_385 

-Light_386 

-Catherine Point Light_304 

-Eulalie, relief station_371 

















































































































































































































































INDEX. 


607 


Page. 


Ste. Marie Church_2C2 

Steering commands_ 31 

Stiff, Baie du_ 59 

-beacons_ 59 

-life-saving station. 56 

-pilots_ 85 

-southern side_ 59 

-Point, dangers_ 59 

-lights_ 55 

--- semaphores_ 56 

Stole, Anse de_169 

Storm signals (French)_ 46 

-(Spanish)_ 46 

Suances _ 457 

- village_458 

Submarine bells_ 7 

Succinio, Anse de_223 

-Chateau de_223 

Sud, Banc du_._368 

- Chenal du_235 

-Passe_347 

-dangers, northern side_347 

-southern side_348 

-depths_347 

-directions_348 

-distinguishing buoy_347 

-tides and tidal streams. 351 

Suebos_548 

-village_548 

Suzac Downs_342 

-Light_342 

-Point_345 


T 


Taillefer, Bancs de_193 

-clearing marks_193 

Tain Islet-552 

Tal er Hah_202 

Talayamendi_406 

Tallais light vessel_355 

-fog signal_355 

Talmont_288 

-Bank_354 

-Point_354 

Talut, Point du-165 

Tanchette, Pointe de_283 

Tapia Islet-503 

-Light_503 

-Port_503 

-village_503 

Taro, Le-143 


Page. 


Taro, Le, Tower_143 

Tas de Pois_ 70 

-Les__ 89 


-Occidentale 

Tazones Bay_ 

-anchorage_ 

-bar_ 

-pilots_ 

-Point_ 

-Light_ 

-village_ 

Teich, Pointe de_ 

Teignouse Rock_ 

Tejilla Creek_ 

Telegraph cables_ 

-stations_ 

Tendoc, Le_ 

-buoy_,_ 

Tepot Rock_ 

Terre Negre, Banc_ 

-Point de_ 

-Light_ 

Testa de Castro_ 

Tete du Chat_ 


89 

477 

477 

477 

477 

476 

476 

477 
369 
263 
437 

47 

47 

77 

77 

156 

344 

338 

341 

512 

97 


Tevennec Rock_100 

-Light_100 

Thau, Etang de_362 

Thumiac, Basse de_214 

-clearing mark_214 

Tidal signals (French)_ 42 

-streams_ 8 

Tide Tables_ 2 

Tides_7,27 

Tiegnouse, Passage de la_199 

-depths_199 

-directions_199 

-Rock, La__198 

-life-saving_198 

-Light_198 

Tierra Blanca Point_405 

Tina del Oeste_468 

-Mayor_466 

-Channel_467 

-dangers_467 

-depths_467 

-directions_467 

-landmarks_466 

-pilot_467 

-tides and tidal streams- 467 

-Menor_466 

-coast_466 

-Punta de_466 
































































































































































































608 


INDEX 


Page. 

Tina Village_467 

Tinas, The_466 

Toilido Point_523 

Tombeau, Pointe_390 

Tonnoy-Charente_ 320, 327 

-beacons_327 

-communication_327 

-landing_327 

-pilots_327 

-supplies_327 

-trade_327 

Tonneau, Le_198 

-Beacon_198 

Toranda_471 

Torba Bay_502 

Torco de Afuera Point_456 

—-Light_457 

Torella Point_ 525, 540 

Torinana, Cape_557 

-Light_557 

Toro Islet_469 

Torre de Cerredo_435 

-Point, La_396 

-Light_395 

Torres, Cabo de_ 479, 485 

Torriente Bank_460 

Toul ar Bezine_162 

Toulhar Rock_174 

-Beacon_174 

-buoy_174 

Toulinguet, Chenal du_115 

-by night_115 

-Pointe du_ 89 

-anchorage_ 90 

-Light_ 89 

-semaphore_ 89 

-Rochers du_ 94 

- Rock, clearing marks_122 

Toulouse---362 

Tour de la Parc_223 

-Penerf_223 

Tourinan, Cape_557 

Tourlandroux Breakwater_228 

-Light_228 

Tourneau, Le_275 

-buoy_275 

Tours_243 

Tower Point_458 

Trait de Penbaie_229 

Tranche, Point de la_278 


semaphore_278 


Page. 

Transatlantic Quay (Port Pas- 


ajes)_400 

Traverse, la_317 

-clearing mark_317 

Treac’h, Basse an_187 

-clearing mark_187 

Treac’h er Gouret_202 

Trebezy Rock_245 

-light buoy_245 

Tregana beacons_ 87 

Trehiguier_ 232,262 

- directions_232 

-pilots_232 

-range lights_232 

Tremblade Channel, La_335 

Treouric Rock_184 

Trepied, Le_93,162 

Tres Hermanos_521 

-Mujeres Peak_508 

Trest windmill_223 

Treusvas_142 

-clearing mark_142 

-Tower_ 142 

Treuzen_142 

Trevarec, Roche_141 

Treviec, lie_185 

-dangers_185 

Trevignon, Pointe de_156 

-clearing marks_157 

-coast_156 

-danger_156 

-life-saving_156 

Trezien Lighthouse_ 73 

-Light_ 73 

Tridoux Rocks_313 

Trielen, lie de_ 66 

Trincado Point_555 

Trinite, La, tides and tidal 

streams_215 

-Port de la_217 

Tristan Isle_’__126 

-— Lights_126 

Trois Cheminus, Les_ 69 

- Couronnes_379 

- Pierres_240 

-Beacon___ 72 

-Les_172,198 

-Tower_198 

-Light, Les_173 

-passage northward of __ 198 

Trompeloup Light__ 355 





































































































































































INDEX 


609 


Page. 


Trompeloup, Rude de_356 

-quarantine_357 

-wharves_357 

Trompon Mayor_420 

-Menor_420 

Trousses, Rade des_316 

-dangers_317 

-directions_317 

-mooring buoy_317 

-prohibited anchor¬ 
age-317 

-south passage_317 

-tides_318 

Troves, Les_238 

Truie, La_195 

-Basse de la_242 

-Rocks, La_194 

-telegraph beacon_194 

-Tower_194 

Truies Bank_173 


-clearing mark_ 

■-Rocks, Les_ 

-Tower_ 

Trujean, Basse_ 

Trupailles, Les_ 

-clearing mark 

Truque de Pelouze_ 

Try Men_ 

Tudy, Basse_ 

-Port_ 

-anchorage_ 

-clearing marks 

-life-saving_ 

-pilots_ 

Turballe, La_ 

-beacons_ 

-life-saving_ 

-lights_ 

Turc Bank_ 

-buoys_ 

Turc, Basse du_ 

Turc Rock_ 

-Le_ 

Turrulla Point_ 

-Rocks_ 

Tymore Tower_ 


173 

173 

173 

226 

277 

278 
367 
202 
140 
167 
167 
167 
167 
167 
228 
228 
228 
228 
175 
175 
240 
240 
243 
394 
394 
1.55 


U. 


Udondo River-431 

Uguarrarri Rock-420 

Uguerrey Point-420 


Page. 

Ulia, Monte_400 

Umbrera Point_457 

Urdaburu_379 

-Mount_ 398, 404 

Urdiales Bay_439 

-village_439 

Urgull, Monte_401 

Uribarren Palace_416 

Urola River_410 

Urrieles de Llanes Mountains_469 

Urros de Liencres_455 

Urumea River_401 

Usgo_455 

Ushant, approach to_ 53 

-caution_ 53 

-channels_ 61 

-coast_ 60 

-currents_ 53 

-directions_ 62 

-fogs_ 54 

-Island_ 55 

-supplies_ 55 

-islands and rocks southeast¬ 
ward of_ 63 

-mainland_ 61 

-soundings_ 54 

-southbound_ 54 

-tidal streams_54, 60 

-tides_ 60 


V. 


Vaca de Luanco Point_487 

- Rock_470 

Vache, Grand—__163 

Val de Arena_ 456 

Valbelle, La, buoy_ 77 

Vale Port_516 

Vale, village_516 

Valhuec, He_201 

Valliere, Point de_338 

-Light_342 

Van, Pointe du_ 88 

-dangers_ 88 

Vandree, La, buoys_ 92 

-westward_ 116 

Vannes, Port de_221 

-communication_ 221 

- directions from 

southwestward- 222 

-westward. 221 

-repairs_ 221 


















































































































































































610 


INDEX, 


Page. 

Vannes, Port cle, supplies-221 

■—— town_ 221 

Vaquina Shoal_500 

Vares Bay_516 

- Cabo_516 

-Monte_514 

-village_516 

Varlingue, La_231 

Vason, Roche a_284 

Vautier, Chateau de_236 

Vechen, Point d’ar_162 

-Light_162 

Vega Beach_'_475 

- Island_501 

-Puerto_501 

- village_501 

Veingeugeii _201 

Vela del Tosto, La_553 

Vellias Point_530 

Vinas Battery_529 

Vendette Rocks_265 

Vendeurs, Roche de_288 

Ventosa Point_514 

Ventoso, Monte_527 

-signal station_527 

Veo Shoal_553 

Verde Bank_542 

Verdicio Sands_491 

Verdon Road, Le_354 

-anchorage_354 

-directions_354 

-moorings_354 

-supplies_355 

Verge roil, Redoute de_322 

Vermenou, Basse_282 

Verres, Les_148,162 

-clearing mark_162 

-Light_162 

-Tower 1 _162 

Verte lie_161 

-Beacon_161 

Vert, Le_246 

-Beacon_246 

Viacaba River_477 

Viavelez, Puerto_502 

-tides_502 

Vicedo Port_516 

-village_516 

Vicherie, Pointe de_236 

Videiros, Punta de los_516 

Vidiago Point___468 

-village_469 


Page. 

Vidio, Cabo_498 

-Light_498 

Vidrias Point_494 

Vigia de Vicedo_515 

Vieille, Basse_123 

-Beacon_123 

-La_202 

-La, Lighthouse_ 89 

-Noire_ 66 

-Beacon_ 66 

- Plateau, La_237 

- Rock, La_ 88, 239 

Vieilles, Anse des_278 

-anchorage_278 

-danger_278 

Vierge Rock__384 

Viernoles Peak_458 

Vieux Boucaut_ 367, 370 

-relief station_371 

- Moines_ 78 

-Beacon_ 70 

-Light_ 78 

Viga Rock_506 

-buoy_506 

Vigia __397 

Vigia Point_466 

- signal station_397 

Vigie, Basse de la_280 

Vignettes, Les_246 

-Tower_246 

Vilacha, village_511 

Vilaine_262 

- River, La_231 

-bar_231 

-dangers, northern 

side_230 

-depths_231 

---entrance_230 

-landmarks_230 

-tides_231 

Villano Bay_553 

Villano, Cape_ 423, 553 

-Light_553 

- de Fuera Islet_553 

- Islet_423 

Villanueva, Cape_472 

- village_472 

Villarmea Point_508 

Villaviciosa, town_477 

Ville-es-Martin Light_ 246, 247 

-light buoy_246 

Villegas-463 

Villueira, Punta_554 






























































































































































































INDEX 


611 


Page. 

Viodo, village_488 

Virgen del Monte_ 554 

Vispon Point_530 

■-light buoy-531 

Vivero, Port_511 

- : — anchorage_513 

-banks_ 513 

-depths_511 

-directions_513 

- - - tides and tidal 

streams_513 

- town_514 

-communication_514 

-Hospital_514 

-supplies_514 

-water_514 

Vizcaya, Province of_413 

-coast_413 

-currents_415 

-directions_415 

-winds_413 

Voleuse, La_142 

- Rock, La_134 

W. 

Weather signals (French)_ 45 

West Bank_395 

-clearing marks_395 

Western Breakwater (St. Jean de 

Luz Bay)_ 385 

West Pass_171 


Page. 


West Pass, dangers in approach.. 172 

-directions_179 

White Rocks_523 

X. 

Xarillo Rock_456 

Xilloy, village_516 

Y. 

Yeu, He d’_273 

-aspect_273 

- - - dangers, north 

side_274 

-south side_277 

-landmarks_274 

-soundings_274 

- - - tides and tidal 

streams_278 

Ytegin Point_407 

Z. 

Zarauz_407 

- Bay-407 

Zumaya Estuary_409 

- Inlet_ 409 

-pilots_410 

-tides_410 

- town_410 

Zurriola Bay_401 

Zorroza quarantine station_431 






















































































































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SAILING DIRECTIONS, MANUALS, AND TABLES 


PUBLISHED BY THE 

UNITED STATES HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE. 

Note. —The only books sold by the Hydrographic Office are listed below. Other 
nautical publications must be obtained from the department of the Government by 
which they are published, or from the Superintendent of Documents, Government 
Printing Office, Washington, D. C. 


Cata¬ 
logue No. 


73 

100 

99 

128 

129 

130 

172 

173 

174 

84 

175 

176 


122 

123 

124 

125 


Title. 


Price. 


SAILING DIRECTIONS. 


NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA, WEST INDIES. 


Newfoundland and Labrador Pilot. Fourth edition. (In prep¬ 
aration) ..... 

St. Lawrence Pilot. First edition. 1917... 

Nova Scotia Pilot. Bay of Fundy, coasts of Nova Scotia and 

Cape Breton Island. Fourth edition. 1916. 

West Indies Pilot. Vol. I. Bermuda Islands, Bahama Islands, 

and the Greater Antilles. Second edition. 1917. 

West Indies Pilot. Vpl. II. Lesser Antilles and Coast of Vene¬ 
zuela. First edition. 1914... 

Central America and Mexico Pilot (East Coast). From Gallinas 

Point, Colombia, to the Rio Grande. First edition. 1916.. 

South America Pilot. Vol. I. (East Coast.) From the Orinoco 
to the Plata River, including the latter and its principal tribu¬ 
taries. First edition. 1916. 

South America Pilot. Vol. II. Southern part from the Plata 
River on the east coast to Corcovado Gulf on the west coast, 
including Magellan Strait and the Faulkland, South Georgia, 

and South Shetland Islands. First edition. 1916. 

South America Pilot. Vol. III. West coast from Corcovado 
Gulf to Panama, including off-lying islands. First edition. 

1916. 

Mexican and Central American Pilot (Pacific Coast). From the 
United States to Colombia, including the Gulfs of California and 

Panama. Fourth edition. 1915. 

British Columbia Pilot. Vol. I. Strait of Juan de Fuca to Cape 
Caution, including Vancouver Island and inland passages. 

First edition. 1916. 

British Columbia Pilot. Vol. II. Cape Caution to Portland 
Canal, including the Queen Charlotte Islands and Dixon En¬ 
trance. First edition. 1916. 


$0.90 
.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.60 


.90 


.90 


CHINA, JAPAN, EAST INDIES. 


Asiatic Pilot. Vol. I. East Coast of Siberia, Sakhalin Island, 

and Korea. First edition. 1909. (Under revision.). 

Asiatic Pilot. Vol. II. The Japan Islands. First edition. 1910.. 
Asiatic Pilot. Vol. III. Coast of China, Yalu River to Hong¬ 
kong, and Island of Formosa. First edition. 1909. 

Asiatic Pilot. Vol. IV. Singapore Strait to Hongkong. First 
edition. 1915. 


.45 

.60 

.60 

.90 


613 

























614 


HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE PUBLICATIONS. 


Cata¬ 
logue No. 


Title. 


126 

162 

163 

164 

165 

166 

144 

145 

146 

147 

148 

149 

150 
137 
136 

140 

141 

142 
135 

132 

133 

134 

151 

152 

153 

154 


SAILING DIRECTIONS—Continued. 
china, japan, east indies— continued. 

Asiatic Pilot. Vol. Y. Sunda Strait and the Southern Ap¬ 
proaches to China Sea, with West and North Coasts of Borneo 

and off-lying dangers. First edition. 1915. 

Asiatic Pilot. Vol. VI. The coasts of Sumatra and the adjacent 

straits and islands. First edition. 1917. 

East Indies Pilot. Vol. I. First edition. 1916. 

East Indies Pilot. Vol. II. The island of New Guinea; Arafura, 
Banda, and Molukka Seas, and the islands lying between 

Celebes and Mindanao. First edition. 1916. 

Pacific Islands Pilot. Vol. I. Western Groups. First edition. 

1916. 

Pacific Islands Pilot. Vol. II. Eastern Groups. First edition. 
1916. 


EUROPE. 

British Islands Pilot. Vol. I. South Coast of England and the 

English Channel. First edition. 1915. 

British Islands Pilot. Vol. II. The west coast of England. 

First edition. 1917. 

British Islands Pilot. Vol. III. The coasts of Ireland. First 

edition 1917. 

British Islands Pilot. Vol. IV. The coasts of Scotland from the 

Mull of Galloway to Rud’h Re\ First edition. 1917. 

British Islands Pilot. Vol. V. The coasts of Scotland from Rud’h 
Re’ to Cape Wrath and the Hebrides Islands. First edition. 

1917....♦. 

British Islands Pilot. Vol. VI. The Faeroes, Shetlands, and 
Orkney Islands, and the North and East Coasts of Scotland. 

First edition. 1915. 

British Islands Pilot. Vol. VII. East Coasts of Scotland and 
England from Fife Ness to North Foreland. Second edition. 1917. 
Arctic Pilot. Vol. I. The coast of Russia from Voriema River 

to East Cape, Bering Strait. First edition. 1917. 

Norway Pilot. From Feje Fiord to North Cape, thence to Jacob 

River. First edition. 1915. (Under revision.). 

Scandinavia Pilot. Vol. I. Bergen to the Kattegat. First edi¬ 
tion. 1915. 

Scandinavia Pilot. Vol. II. Kattegat to Cape Arkona, includ¬ 
ing The Sound, Great and Little Belts, and Kiel Bay. First 

edition. 1916. 

Baltic Pilot. Vol. I. The Baltic Sea. First edition. 1917. 

North Sea Pilot. Eastern Shores from Dunkerque to the Skaw. 

First edition. 1915. (Under revision.). 

North Coast of France Pilot. Ushant to Dunkerque. Second 

edition. 1917. 

Bay of Biscay Pilot. Ushant to Toriuana. Second edition. 1917. 
East Atlantic Pilot. The west coast of Spain and Portugal from 
Cape Torinana to Cape Trafalgar, North Atlantic Islands, and 
coast of Africa from Cape Spartel to Cape Palmas. First edi¬ 
tion. 1916. 

Mediterranean Pilot. Vol. I. Gibraltar Strait, Coast of Spain, 
African Coast from Cape Spartel to Gulf of Gabes, and the 

Balearic Islands. First edition. 1916. 

Mediterranean Pilot. Vol. II. The Coasts of France and Italy 
from Cape Cebere to Cape Spartivento, including the Tuscan 
Archipelago, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and the Maltese Islands. 

First edition. 1917..... 

Mediterranean Pilot. Vol. III. The south coast of Italy and 

the Adriatic Sea. First edition. 1917. 

Mediterranean Pilot. Vol. IV. From Cape Matapan (Greece) 
eastward, the Archipelago, and the southern shore of the Medi¬ 
terranean eastward of Ras-Aslidir (Libia). First edition. 1916. 

































HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE PUBLICATIONS. 


615 


Cata¬ 
logue No. 


Title. 


Price. 


SAILING DIRECTIONS—Continued. 


AFRICA. 


105 

156 

157 


Africa Pilot. Vol. 1. From Cape Palmas to Cape of Good llope. 

First edition. 1916.. 

Africa Pilot. Vol. II. From Cape of Good Hope to Ras-IIafun. 

First edition. 1916. 

Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Pilot, including; the Suez Canal, 
Sokotra Island, and the Arabian coast to Ras al JUadd. First 
edition. 1916. 


$0. 90 
.90 

.90 


159 

160 
161 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

9 

9:11 

71 

87 

107 

117 

120 

127 

131 


INDIAN OCEAN. 

West Coast of India Pilot, including Ceylon, the' Maidive and 

Laccadive Islands. First edition. (In preparation). 

Bay of Bengal Pilot, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 

First edition. 1916. 

South Indian Ocean Pilot for the islands westward of 80° East, 
including Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. First edition, 
1917.. . 


LIGHT LISTS. 

List of Lights. Vol. I. The West Indies and Pacific Islands and 
Coasts of North and South America, excepting the United 

States. 

List of Lights. Vol. II. South and East Coasts of Asia and 
Africa and the East Indies, Australia, Tasmania, and New 

Zealand.. 

List of Lights. Vol. III. West Coast of Africa and Europe, and 
the Mediterranean Sea, including the Adriatic and Black Seas 

and Sea of Azov.. 

List of Lights. Vol. IV. British Isles. 

List of Lights. Vol. V. North Sea. 

List of Lights. Vol. VI. Baltic Sea. 

MANUALS, TABLES, ETC. 

American Practical Navigator. Originally by Nathaniel Bow- 
ditch, LL. D., etc. Reprinted 1917. (Including the “Useful 

Tables. ”). 

Useful Tables from the American Practical Navigator. (Being 

Part II of No. 9.). 

Azimuth Tables, giving the True Bearings of the Sun at Inter¬ 
vals of Ten Minutes between Sunrise and Sunset, for Parallels 
of Latitude between 61° N. and 61° S. (Can also be ap¬ 
plied to the moon, planets, and stars as long as their declina¬ 
tions do not exceed 23° N. or S.). 

International Code of Signals. 1917.. 

Wrecks and Derelicts in the North Atlantic Ocean, 1887-1893, 

inclusive. 1894.... 

Table of Distances. 1917. (About 8,000 shortest navigable dis¬ 
tances between ports.)... 

The Azimuths of Celestial Bodies Whose Declinations Range 
from 24° to 70°, for Parallels of Latitude Extending to 70° from 

the Equator...... 

Star Identification Tables, giving simultaneous values of decli¬ 
nation and hour angle for values of latitude, altitude, and 
azimuth ranging from 0° to 80° in latitude and altitude and 0° 

to 180° in azimuth.-... 

Cuban Longitude Report of 1911-12.. 


. 90 
.90 

.90 


.60 


.60 


.60 
. 60 

. 60 

. 60 


2. 25 
1. 25 


1 > 

1 . 00 
1. 50 

.10 

.15 

1. 50 





21233°—17-40 



































616 


HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICES. 


Cata¬ 
logue No. 

Title. 

Price. 

171 

MANUALS, TABLES, ETC.—Continued. 

Line of Position Tables. 1916. (This is a book of 183 pages pre- 



pared with the special aim of presenting, in the order in which 
they are used in pra dice, all the navigational and mathemati¬ 
cal tables, except those of the Nautical Almanac, that are essen¬ 
tial for the working of a sight of a heavenly body for line of 
position by the eosine-haversine formula, Marcq Saint Hilaire 
method)... 

$0. 45 
. 60 

200 

Altitude Azimuth, and Line of Position. 1917. 


General catalogue of charts and books published by the U. S. 
Hydrographic Office. 

.50 




REMITTANCE. 

Orders for books or charts, when addressed to the Hydrographic Office, should 
be accompanied with Post-Office Money Order made payable to HYDROGRAPHIC 
OFFICE. 

Prices are fixed, under the law, at the cost of printing and paper, and no reductions 
are made on orders for large quantities. 

Postage. —No additional charge is made for postage on addresses in the United 
States and possessions, nor on those in Canada, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, and SI' inghai. 
For all other addresses postage is required at the usual rates for printed matter. 


PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS OF THE HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE. 

Pilot Charts, Notices to Mariners, Hydrographic Bulletins, and reprints are pub¬ 
lished by the United States Hydrographic Office, and are supplied free of cost to 
mariners of any nationality who cooperate by returning marine observations. 

From time to time the Hydrographic Office reprints in pamphlet form information 
that has appeared in the Pilot Charts and Bulletins. 

The titles of those most in demand are: 

No. 2.—North Atlantic Ice Movements. 

No. 3.—Use of Oil to Calm the Sea. 

No. 6.—Compass Work on the Great Lakes. 

No. 8.—Questions ana Answers. 

No. 9.—The Origin and Mission of the Hydrographic Office. 

No. 10.—The Use and Interpretation of Charts ana Sailing Directions. 

No. 11.—Production of Navigational Charts. 

No. 13.—Cyclonic Storms. 

No. 14.—Questions and Answers No. 2. 

No. 21.-—Questions and Answers No. 3. 

No. 24.—North Atlantic Ice Patrols, appeared October 24, 1913. 

No. 25—Questions and Answers No. 4. 

Masters and officers can obtain them on application to a Branch Hydrographic Office. 


BRANCH HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICES. 

These offices are located as follows: 


Boston ...Customhouse. 

New York .Rooms 301-302, Maritime Exchange. 78-80 Broad Street. 

Philadelphia .Main Floor. The Bourse Building. 

Baltimore .Room 123, Customhouse. 

Norfolk .Room 2, Customhouse. 

Savannah .Second Floor, Customhouse. 

New Orleans .Room 319, Customhouse. 





















HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE AGENTS. 


617 


Galveston. 

San Francisco. 

Portland, Oreg.... 

Seattle.. 

Sault Sainte Marie 

Duluth.. 

Cleveland. 

Chicago. 

Buffalo. 


Rooms 401-402, City National Bank Building. 

.Merchants’ Exchange. 

.Room 407, Customhouse. 

..Room 408, Lowman Building. 

.Room 10, Federal Building. 

..Room 1000, Torrey Building. 

..Rooms 400-408, Federal Building. 

.Room 528, Post Office Building. 

.Room 340, Post Office Building. 


Note. —By authority of the Governor of the Panama Canal some of the duties of Branch Hydrographic 
Offices are performed by the Captain of the Port at Cristobal and the Captain of the Fort at Balboa. A 
full set of reference charts and sailing directions may be consulted at these offices: and shipmasters may 
receive the Pilot Charts. Notices to Mariners, and Hydrographic Bulletin in return for marine and meteoro¬ 
logical data reports. Observers’ blanks and comparisons of navigational instruments may be obtained at 
the same t ime. 


The Branch Offices do not sell any publications, but issue the Pilot Charts, Hydro¬ 
graphic Bulletins, Notices to Mariners, and reprints to cooperating observers. 

They are supplied with the latest information and publications pertaining to navi¬ 
gation, and masters and officers of vessels are cordially invited to visit them and con¬ 
sult freely officers in charge. Office hours, 9 a. m. to 4.30 p. m. 


AGENTS FOR THE SALE OF HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE 

PUBLICATIONS. 


IN THE UNITED STATES AND ISLANDS. 

t 

Aberdeen, Wash. —The Evans Drug Co. 

Balboa, Canal Zone. —The Captain of the Port. 

Balboa Heights, Canal Zone. —Commissary Department, Panama Railroad Co. 
Baltimore, Md. —John E. Hand & Sons Co., 17 South Cay Street. 

Boston, Mass. —Charles C. Hutchinson, 154 State Street. 

W. E. IT ad lock & Co., 132 State Street. 

Buffalo, N. Y.—Howard H. Baker & Co., 18-20 Terrace. 

Charleston, S. C.—Henry B. Kirk, 10 Broad Street. 

Cleveland, Ohio. —Upson Walton Co., 1294-1310 West Eleventh Street. 

Cristobal. Canal Zone. —The Captain of the Port. 

Duluth, Minn. —Joseph Vanderyacht. 

Eastport, Me.—H avey & Wilson. 

Galveston, Tex. —Charles F. Trube, 2415 Market Street. 

Purdy Brothers. 2217 Market Street. 

Gloucester, Mass. —George H. Bibber, 101 Main Street. 

Jeremiah Foster, 150 Main Street. 

Honolulu, Hawaii. —Hawaiian News Co. 

Jacksonville, Fla.—H. & W. B. Drew Co., 45 West Bay Street. 

Ketchikan, Alaska. —Ryus Drug Co. 

Key West, Fla. —Alfred Brost.^ 

Manila, Philippines. —Luzon Stevedoring Co. 

Mobile, Ala.— The Emerald Co., 207 Dauphin Street. 

New Orleans, La.— Woodward, Wight & Co.; Howard Avenue and Constance Street. 

Rolf Seeberg Ship Chandlery Co., P. O. Box 541. 

J. S. Sareussen, G19 Godcliaux Building. 

Newport News, Va.— W. L. Shumate & Co.. 133 Twenty-filth Street. • 

New York, N. Y—T. S. & J. D. Negus, 140 Water-Street. 

John Bliss & Co., 128 Front Street. 

Michael Rupp & Co., 112 Broad Street. 

R. Morrill’s Sons, G6 South Street. 

C. S. Hammond & Co., 30 Church Street. 

Norfolk, Va— William Freeman, 243 Granby Street. 

Pensacola, Fla.— McKenzie Oerting & Co., 603 South Palafox Street. 
Philadelphia, Pa. —Riggs & Bro., 310 Market Street. 

John E. Hand & Sons Co., 208 Chestnut Street. 

Portland, Me.—W m. Scnter & ( o.,51 Exchange Street. 

Portland, Oreo. —The J. K. Gill Go., Third and Alder Streets. 

Port Townsend, Wash— W. J. Fritz, 320 Water Street. 

San Diego, Cal. —Arey-Jones Co., 933 Fourth Street. 












618 HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE AGENTS. 

San Francisco, Cal.— Geo. E. Butler, Alaska Commercial Building, California and 

Sansom Streets. 

Louis Weule Co., 6 California Street. 

H. J. H. Lorenzen. 12 Market Street. 

A. Lietz Co., 61 Post Street. 

San Juan, Porto Rico. —Joseph A. Rose, Lighthouse Service. 

San Pedro, Cal. —Marine Hardware Co., 509 Beacon Street. 

Savannah. Ga. —Savannah Ship Chandlery & Supply Co., 25 East Bay Street. 
Seattle, YVasii. —Lowman & Hanford Co., 616-620 First Avenue. 

Max Kuner Co., 804 First Avenue. 

Tacoma, Wash. —Cole-Martin Co., 926 Pacific Avenue. 

Tampa, Fla. —Tampa Book & News Co., 513 Franklin Street. 

Washington, D. C.—W. H. Lowdormilk Co., 1418 F Street NW. 

Brentanos, F and Twelfth Streets NW. 

Wilmington, N. C.—Thos. F. Wood, 1-5 Princess Street. 

IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 

Belize, British Honduras. —A. E. Marian. 

Buenos Aires, Argentina. —Radalfo Boesenberg, 824 Victoria Street. 

Canso, N. S.—A. X. Whitman & Son. 

Habana, Cuba. —Eduardo Mencio. 10 Mercaderes. 

Halifax, N. S.—Creighton & Marshall, Ordnance Square. 

Manzanilio, Cuba.— Enrique Liuten, Marti 44, A par ta do L04. 

Montreal, Canada. —Harrison & Co., 53 Metcalfe Street. 

Port IIawkesbury, C. B. I., N. S.—Alexander Bain. 

Quebec, Canada. —T. J. Moor^ & Co.. 118-120 Mountain Hill. 

St. John, N. B.—J. & A. McMillan. 98 Prince William Street. 

ORDER CHARTS PROMPTLY. 

Frequently masters do not apply to chart agents for charts, sailing 
directions, etc., until almost the clay of sailing. A particular chart 
or book may not be in stock, especially if it is one not often in de¬ 
mand. and there may not be time to procure it from Washington. 
Charts and navigational books should be ordered well in advance of 
the date of sailing. 


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